The European Union has officially launched the new “Entry/Exit System” (EES) from October 12, 2025, marking a major shift in how non-EU travelers enter and leave Europe. The system, designed to strengthen regional security, streamline immigration, and replace manual passport stamping, will digitally record travelers’ biometric data—including fingerprints and facial images—along with the time and location of their entry and exit. This innovation aims to combat illegal overstays, identity fraud, and cross-border crimes by enabling authorities to monitor travel in real time. Portugal and several other EU countries are coordinating the rollout through national security agencies and airport authorities. Although implementation will continue until December, the EES promises faster, safer, and more transparent travel management under strict EU data protection laws, representing a new era for Schengen border control.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a new policy to regulate the refund value of damaged, torn, or burnt currency notes, ensuring fairness and uniformity across all banks. According to the circular issued Thursday, the directive takes immediate effect. Under the policy, if more than 90% of a note remains intact, customers will receive its full value. Notes with 75–90% of their surface will be refunded at 75%, and those with 51–75% at 50%. Notes with less than 51% remaining will not be eligible for compensation. The new “Note Reimbursement Regulations 2025” replaces the previous 2012 framework, introducing precise and transparent guidelines. Customers can appeal unresolved cases through their bank’s head office and ultimately to Bangladesh Bank. The initiative aims to strengthen consumer confidence, enhance transparency, and modernize the country’s currency management system.

More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to Gaza City after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Friday, October 10. According to Gaza’s Civil Defense agency, residents are going back to their ruined homes despite massive destruction caused by weeks of heavy bombardment. The truce follows indirect talks mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aiming to end nearly two years of conflict. Former U.S. President Donald Trump played a key role in initiating the peace process after proposing a 20-point peace plan during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both sides agreed to the plan’s first phase earlier this week, paving the way for the ceasefire and partial troop withdrawal. For many Palestinians, the return marks both relief and uncertainty amid the city’s shattered infrastructure and ongoing humanitarian crisis.

World leaders are set to meet on Monday (October 13) in Egypt’s resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh for a landmark peace summit aimed at ending the two-year Gaza conflict and restoring stability in the Middle East. The conference, co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, will host leaders from over 20 nations, including the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit seeks to consolidate efforts for a permanent ceasefire, regional peace, and a new era of cooperation. While Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas representatives are yet to confirm attendance, the meeting comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has prompted displaced Gazans to return home after massive destruction. The initiative follows Trump’s recent 20-point peace plan unveiled in Washington.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 begins hearing arguments on Sunday, October 12, in the high-profile case accusing Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun of crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the schedule through a video statement on Saturday evening. The final witness, investigation officer Md. Alamgir, completed cross-examination last Wednesday, after which the tribunal—led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder—set the date for arguments. The prosecution will start the argument phase today, followed by the defense’s presentation and then the prosecution’s rebuttal. The tribunal completed recording testimonies from 54 witnesses over 28 working days. Once the hearings conclude, the case will proceed to judgment. The prosecution’s arguments will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television and the prosecution’s official Facebook page.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the process of bringing certain army officers accused of involvement in enforced disappearances and killings under trial has begun. In a Facebook post on October 12, he acknowledged that some members of the army had failed to uphold human rights and the rule of law but emphasized that these individuals’ actions should not tarnish the entire institution. He said the people of Bangladesh want to remain proud of their patriotic armed forces. Dr. Rahman praised the army’s willingness to cooperate with the judicial process and expressed hope that the trials would be transparent and fair. He added that justice for specific offenders would help restore national trust, erase the burden of past misdeeds, and prevent future misuse of authority, ultimately benefiting the nation in the long term.

In the wake of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, most of the enclave’s mosques have been reduced to rubble, erasing centuries of spiritual and architectural heritage. Once-standing minarets that called the faithful to prayer now lie shattered, leaving Gaza nearly devoid of its historic skyline. The Gaza Media Office reports that out of 1,244 mosques, more than 835 have been completely destroyed and 180 partially damaged — including Ottoman- and Mamluk-era sites. Among the ruins, survivors like 62-year-old Abu Khaled al-Najjar continue to pray over the debris of their lifelong sanctuaries, refusing to abandon faith despite devastation. In the Old City, young residents like Mahmoud Kandil search the wreckage of the Great Omari Mosque for remnants of their past, while elderly worshippers such as Umm Wael cling to prayer from their homes. Gaza’s faith endures, even as its mosques vanish beneath the dust of war.

A locally produced, science-backed nutritional food from Bangladesh named MDCF-2 (Microbiota-Directed Complementary Food) has been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “Best Inventions of 2025.” Developed jointly by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) and Washington University, this affordable food supplement is designed for malnourished children. Unlike conventional nutrition products, MDCF-2 not only fills the stomach but also restores beneficial gut microbiota, enabling children to absorb nutrients naturally. Made from chickpea, soy, peanut, and green banana powders, it strengthens immunity and cognitive development. According to icddr,b Executive Director Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, this recognition proves that science combined with compassion can solve long-standing global health challenges. MDCF-2 stands as a beacon of hope for millions of undernourished children worldwide, demonstrating how local innovation can bring sustainable global health solutions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to help end the ongoing war in Ukraine by applying the same diplomatic approach that recently brought about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. According to a report by Samaa TV, Zelensky made the appeal during a telephone conversation, where he congratulated Trump on his successful mediation in Gaza. The two leaders also discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems and long-range missile capabilities amid continued Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the United States’ continued support and confirmed that specific agreements were reached to enhance Ukraine’s defense strength. Drawing on Trump’s earlier diplomatic success in the Middle East, Zelensky urged him to use that experience to promote peace in Eastern Europe, stressing that Russia must be compelled to join meaningful negotiations through a position of strong resistance.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged six major commitments for women and girls, promising to make the state a true partner in fulfilling their dreams if given the chance to govern. In a message marking International Day of the Girl Child, he vowed to introduce “Family Cards” under women’s names to ensure direct financial aid, expand SME loans and training for female entrepreneurs, and strengthen girls’ access to academic and technical education. He also emphasized greater participation of women in policymaking, safeguarding their dignity and independence, and prioritizing women’s welfare in health, employment, and rural development. Rahman recalled the legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia in empowering women through education, employment, and governance, noting that true national progress requires the empowerment of every girl to dream, learn, and lead with freedom and safety.

In a move highlighting political pragmatism over principle, India’s Hindu nationalist government has faced severe criticism after Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi. Once condemning the Taliban for its brutal record on women’s rights, India now appears to have softened its stance to counter Pakistan’s influence in the region. The controversy erupted when female journalists were denied entry to a press conference hosted by the Afghan Embassy, despite following dress codes. India’s Foreign Ministry quickly distanced itself, claiming no involvement in the event’s organization. Opposition leaders, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hypocrisy and failing to defend women’s dignity in a democratic country. The incident comes amid Taliban-imposed restrictions on Afghan women’s education and employment, deepening outrage over India’s silence. Analysts view this episode as a troubling reflection of India’s shifting foreign policy priorities.

The July Charter signing ceremony, originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, has been postponed to Friday, October 17, to allow wider public participation. The decision was made during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday, October 11. After the meeting, Commission Vice-Chair Professor Dr. Ali Riaz announced that the July National Charter signing is a historic event. To facilitate attendance, it will now take place on the South Plaza of the National Parliament building on Friday afternoon. The meeting also decided that representatives from different political parties, alliances, and professional groups will be invited to attend the ceremony. Other attendees at the meeting included Commission Member Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haydar.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has raised concerns over the neutrality of some advisers in the interim government, saying the public is questioning whether all advisers are truly impartial. Speaking at a memorial event in Gazipur marking the ninth death anniversary of BNP leader Brigadier General Hannan Shah, Fakhrul claimed that certain advisers show favoritism toward specific parties, which undermines public confidence. He expressed support for the reform initiatives undertaken by the government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus but accused a vested group of portraying BNP as anti-reform. Fakhrul emphasized that BNP has always championed democratic reforms and women’s empowerment. Criticizing India’s role in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, he called for an equal and just bilateral relationship. He also urged party activists to unite and ensure victory for Hannan Shah’s son, Shah Riazul Hannan, in the upcoming parliamentary election expected in February.

The Department of Meteorology has forecasted that October may witness the formation of one to three low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal, with the potential for one to intensify into a depression or cyclone. Normal rainfall is expected across most parts of the country, though temperatures may remain slightly above average. The forecast predicts two to four days of moderate to heavy thunderstorms and three to five days of light to moderate thunderstorms. Rivers are likely to maintain normal flow, but heavy rains could trigger short-term flooding in northern, northeastern, and southeastern hill regions. Daily evaporation is estimated between 2.25 and 4.25 millimeters, with 5 to 7 hours of bright sunshine on average, signaling typical seasonal weather patterns alongside possible extreme events.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced that the viva voce (oral) examination for the 49th Special BCS will begin on October 26, following the release of the written exam results within 7 to 10 days. The written examination for the Education Cadre, conducted on October 10 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, was held exclusively in Dhaka metropolitan centers with 374,752 registered candidates, though the exact attendance has not yet been confirmed. Candidates who pass the written test will be eligible to participate in the viva. Through this 49th BCS, 653 lecturer positions in government general colleges and 30 in teacher training colleges will be filled. The Bengali department has the highest number of vacancies at 61, followed by Political Science (55), English (50), Economics (40), Philosophy (30), Chemistry (30), and Islamic History and Culture (32).