The Advisory Committee on the Review of RAJUK’s Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022–2035 has approved draft amendments that will increase floor area ratio (FAR) and population density across most urban areas under RAJUK’s jurisdiction, while strictly prohibiting construction on agricultural land. The amendments consolidate watercourses into designated flood flow zones, introduce incentives for Transit-Oriented Development and block-based regeneration, and align building regulations with the Bangladesh National Building Code (2020). Additional measures include mandatory sewerage treatment plants for large plots, green building incentives, streamlined approval processes for large projects, and provisions considering disaster management. The amended DAP is expected to be published soon in the official gazette. The committee held extensive consultations with multiple ministries and stakeholders before finalizing the proposals.

Following a massive fire at Dhaka’s Cargo Village, three international flights were forced to land at Sylhet Osmani Airport, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The district administration quickly arranged a special carriage on the Upaban Express train to transport passengers to Dhaka. On Saturday night, an extra carriage was attached to accommodate those traveling on emergency flights. The first flight from Riyadh carried 396 passengers, followed by flights from Singapore with 153 passengers and Malaysia with 75 passengers. Osmani International Airport Director Hafiz Uddin Ahmed confirmed that the airport can handle multiple flights simultaneously, and stranded passengers are receiving support from both the railway and district administration while waiting in airport lounges. Passengers expressed frustration over canceled flights, citing significant personal and financial inconveniences caused by the incident.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Khelafat Majlis, and six other like-minded political parties have unveiled a new program to implement their five-point agenda. Representatives of eight parties announced the initiative at a press conference at the Press Club on October 19, marking the fourth phase of their campaign. The program includes protest marches and rallies in the capital on October 20, divisional cities on October 25, and district towns on October 27. The five-point demands include holding a referendum on the July National Charter, introducing proportional representation in both parliamentary chambers, ensuring a level playing field for free and fair elections, visible accountability for government corruption and atrocities, and banning the activities of parties seen as allies of dictatorship. Key leaders from all eight parties attended the press briefing.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has stated that there is no situation that could prevent the national elections scheduled for February, assuring that the polls will take place before Ramadan. Speaking to journalists in Sylhet on 19 October, he clarified that the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) cannot receive the ‘Shapla’ (Water Lily) symbol as it is not listed in the official election symbols. He emphasized that unlike previous controversial elections, this time the process will be transparent, fair, and free from the influence of controversial individuals. The commissioner also noted that with the Awami League currently a suspended party, it cannot participate in the upcoming elections. The remarks were made while he served as chief guest at a police training workshop aimed at enhancing law enforcement efficiency for smooth electoral management.

The National Citizen Party’s (NCP) southern regional chief organizer, Hasanat Abdullah, has firmly stated that the party will not accept any election symbol other than the Shapla (water lily). Following a meeting with Election Commission (EC) officials on the final day of symbol selection, he accused the EC of acting like an authoritarian body, claiming its decisions are being imposed rather than made independently. Hasanat questioned the transparency and neutrality of the commission, alleging that it lacks the capability and moral strength to conduct a fair, participatory election. He compared the EC’s operations to those of “medieval monarchs” and warned that its arbitrary actions could lead to consequences similar to those faced by former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda. He reiterated that NCP would not compromise on its demand for the Shapla symbol.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the National Citizens Party (NCP) partially cut and misrepresented his remarks about the “July Warriors” made around the July Charter signing ceremony. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Sunday, Salahuddin welcomed NCP Convener Nahid Islam’s call for an apology, calling it a healthy part of democratic practice. He clarified that his comments were meant to honor those who participated in the July uprising and not to undermine them. He emphasized that the mass movement was the outcome of a 16-year-long struggle against fascism, in which BNP and other democratic forces made immense sacrifices. Salahuddin also alleged that chaos surrounding the July Charter event was incited by elements linked to the “Awami fascist forces,” not genuine July Warriors. He insisted that attempts to portray BNP as opposing the uprising would not succeed.

A devastating fire broke out on Saturday night at the Incepta Pharmaceuticals factory in Dhamrai’s Barobaria area, injuring at least ten workers. The blaze started around 8 p.m. on the fourth floor of Building No. 09, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit, and quickly spread throughout the structure, engulfing it in dense black smoke. Three units of the Dhamrai Fire Service rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control after nearly two hours of effort using the building’s hydrant system. No fatalities were reported, though the factory’s IPS power system sustained significant damage. Authorities have yet to determine the total losses. Panic initially spread among employees, but the swift response from firefighters prevented a larger catastrophe.

Teachers and employees of MPO-listed private educational institutions across Bangladesh have rejected the Finance Ministry’s circular that approved only a 5% (minimum Tk 2,000) increase in house rent allowance. They termed the decision “insufficient” and declared the continuation of their ongoing movement. The protesters are demanding a 20% house rent allowance, Tk 1,500 medical allowance, and 75% festival allowance. Md. Delowar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the alliance seeking nationalization of MPO-listed institutions, said on Facebook that the 5% hike is a partial victory but not enough to end their protests. On Sunday, teachers continued their sit-in and hunger strike for the eighth consecutive day at the Central Shaheed Minar and announced a “hunger march” towards the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE). They warned that their demonstrations will persist until all three allowance demands are fulfilled.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, sparking concern over the fragile ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory. According to reports, Israel has violated the truce 47 times since it was declared, resulting in the deaths of at least 38 Palestinians. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces continue military activities in areas such as Shejaiya, al-Tuffah, and Khan Younis, while Palestinians are still barred from Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun. Netanyahu claimed the border cannot reopen because Hamas has yet to return the bodies of all Israeli hostages. Palestinian groups argue the decision breaches the ceasefire agreement, which included reopening Rafah and allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Hamas warned that continued border closures could delay the handover of hostages’ remains, further complicating the already strained truce.

Israel has resumed airstrikes on Gaza, breaking the recently established ceasefire agreement, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The attacks targeted Rafah and several areas in southern Gaza, following what Israeli sources described as “exchanges of fire” with Hamas fighters. Israeli media claimed the strikes were a response to “terrorist activities” in Rafah, where two Israeli soldiers were reportedly killed in a vehicle explosion. Meanwhile, Hamas issued a statement rejecting recent U.S. accusations that it was preparing new attacks, calling the allegations “a reflection of Israeli propaganda.” The group accused Israel of arming criminal gangs involved in looting aid trucks and attacking civilians, saying such crimes are already documented by Israeli media. Hamas urged the U.S. to stop echoing Israeli narratives and to pressure Tel Aviv to uphold the ceasefire. The statement reaffirmed Hamas’s commitment to protecting Palestinian civilians and maintaining stability in Gaza.

Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to commend his wartime leadership and Israel’s recent achievements. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, Machado expressed satisfaction with the agreement leading to the release of hostages and praised Israel’s government for its decisive actions. She also voiced strong support for Israel’s fight against what she called the “Iran-backed axis of evil,” noting that this alliance threatens not only Israel but also the people of Venezuela. Netanyahu, in return, congratulated Machado on winning the Nobel Peace Prize and acknowledged her efforts in promoting democracy and global peace. However, Machado’s office has not yet released an official statement regarding the conversation. Earlier this week, she had stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump deserved next year’s Nobel Peace Prize, but her own win dashed those expectations.

Following a string of devastating fires across Bangladesh—including a major blaze at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport—the Police Headquarters has directed all police units to maintain the highest state of alert. Officials fear possible attacks targeting key point installations (KPIs), such as government buildings, airports, power plants, and national institutions. In response, additional patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance measures have been deployed nationwide, especially around 587 identified KPIs, including Bangabhaban, Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the National Parliament. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam said the directive aims to reinforce year-round security and ensure coordinated action among law enforcement and security agencies. The interim government assured citizens that all fire incidents are under thorough investigation, emphasizing that any act of sabotage or arson will face strong and immediate action. It urged unity and vigilance, asserting that fear must not undermine national stability and democratic resilience.

Just eight days after a ceasefire took effect, Israel launched a deadly attack in Gaza, killing 11 members of the Abu Shahban family, including seven children and three women. The assault occurred in Gaza City’s Zeitoun area, where an Israeli tank shell struck their civilian vehicle as they were returning home to assess damage. Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that two children remain missing, likely dismembered by the explosion. The attack has drawn condemnation from Hamas, which labeled it a “massacre” and urged international mediators, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to pressure Israel to respect the ceasefire. Gaza’s media office further revealed that at least 38 Palestinians have been killed since the prisoner exchange began, while essential aid such as food and medicine remains severely restricted. This renewed violence threatens to derail fragile truce efforts and deepen the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

A missile attack struck an oil tanker off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden on Saturday, igniting a massive fire aboard the vessel, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center. The incident occurred about 210 kilometers east of Aden while the ship, sailing under the flag of Cameroon, was en route from Sohar, Oman, to Djibouti. Maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the crew issued a distress call from about 60 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Ahwar coast, with rescue operations currently underway. Although the Houthi rebels have not claimed responsibility, the attack follows a series of similar strikes on Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea. Ambrey noted that the targeted tanker was not among the vessels usually attacked by the Houthis. Investigations into the cause and source of the missile are ongoing.

Teacher leaders of the “Nationalization Movement Unity Alliance” have expressed satisfaction following a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. During the meeting, held on Sunday (October 19) at BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Fakhrul assured that if BNP assumes power, all MPO-listed private educational institutions will be nationalized. Following the discussion, Member Secretary Delwar Hossain Aziz said Fakhrul had listened carefully to their demands and had also consulted BNP’s financial advisor over the phone to discuss the teachers’ proposals and related fiscal issues. The teacher delegation proposed a 20% increase in house rent allowance as an interim measure. Aziz added that the BNP leader’s sincerity and attention to implementation had given new momentum to their ongoing movement for nationalization. The teachers also plan to form a broader political unity to urge the government to consider their demands.