Israel has blocked the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, with reports of its navy boarding some ships, including Alma and Sirius. Italy’s largest labor union has announced a nationwide strike in protest, following demonstrations in cities such as Naples. Organizers say broadcasts from most vessels stopped as Israeli forces surrounded them. While some ships were halted, others continue toward Gaza. The flotilla includes 45 civilian vessels with 500 people, among them lawmakers, activists, and Greta Thunberg.

Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter said this season’s hilsa production has been lower than expected due to jatka catching, widespread use of current and Chinese nets, and blocked river routes. A 22-day fishing ban from October 4–25 will be strictly enforced with police, navy, air force, and drones to protect spawning hilsa. Last year, 52.5% of mother hilsa were safeguarded, and greater success is expected this year. Diplomats also joined cultural events at Kumudini Welfare Trust in Tangail.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh soon, with the exact date to be announced personally by him, according to his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir. Speaking at a press briefing upon his return from the UN General Assembly session, Kabir accused Awami League of engaging in political terrorism by attacking opposition leaders abroad. He assured that the upcoming national elections will take place on time under the caretaker government, without fear of disruption. However, the briefing turned chaotic when NCP activists shouted slogans, leading to clashes with journalists. In protest of misbehavior by party activists, journalists boycotted statements from senior NCP leaders Akhtar Hossain and Tasnim Zara. The situation underscored growing political tensions as Bangladesh braces for elections.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has publicly questioned why well equipped state navies cannot break the Israeli maritime blockade of Gaza when ordinary civilians in small, low resource boats are reportedly managing to deliver humanitarian aid. Her remarks followed coverage of a civilian flotilla comprised of dozens of vessels that departed from multiple countries, with some boats said to have reached within sixty nautical miles, roughly one hundred eleven kilometres, of Gaza. Albanese asked whether the inability or unwillingness of powerful countries to use their naval capabilities reflects political choices, legal constraints, operational limitations, or failures of international will. Posting on social media, she urged the flotilla to continue safely, expressed solidarity with volunteers risking passage, and called on states and international institutions to act decisively to secure reliable humanitarian access for civilians in Gaza. The appeal intensified global scrutiny.

Police have filed three cases over recent violent incidents in Khagrachhari’s Guimara and Sadar upazilas, accusing over a thousand unidentified individuals. Two cases were filed at Guimara Police Station and one at Sadar Police Station. The clashes broke out after Section 144 was defied, resulting in attacks on law enforcers, arson, vandalism, and the recovery of three bodies from a paddy field. In Guimara, over 350 unnamed individuals were accused across two cases, including murder and violence charges. In Sadar, up to 800 unnamed individuals were accused in connection with violent clashes. Police confirmed that cases were filed by law enforcement officials as no victims’ families came forward. The unrest began following protests over a rape allegation against a minor girl, which was later found unsubstantiated by a medical team.

A vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, has entered Gaza’s territorial waters, while 23 more ships continue their journey toward the besieged enclave. The flotilla, consisting of over 40 civilian vessels and around 500 activists from 44 countries, aims to deliver aid to Palestinians via the sea. Participants include lawyers, rights activists, doctors, journalists, and elected European Parliament members. One ship, Mikeno, has already crossed into Gaza’s waters, though it remains unclear if Israeli forces have detained it. Reports indicate that Israeli commandos are encircling vessels and detaining volunteers, raising fears of confrontation. The flotilla began its voyage on August 31 from Barcelona, later joined by ships from Tunisia, Sicily, and Greek islands. Israel alleges links between the flotilla and Hamas but has provided no evidence. Arrival was expected Thursday morning, barring interruptions.

A tragic accident struck Ethiopia’s Arerti town, 70 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, when temporary scaffolding collapsed during an annual Virgin Mary festival. At least 36 worshippers lost their lives and more than 200 were injured, many in critical condition. Authorities confirmed that some victims might still be trapped under debris, while rescue efforts continue. The collapse occurred around 7:45 a.m. as hundreds of devotees gathered at the church. Police and local officials fear the death toll could rise. Photos released by Ethiopian state broadcaster EBC showed piles of wooden beams scattered across the church compound. Some critically injured were transferred to hospitals in the capital. The government expressed condolences and emphasized prioritizing safety. Construction-related accidents remain common in Ethiopia due to lax enforcement of health and safety regulations, despite its deep-rooted Christian traditions.

A detailed investigation alleges a large-scale operation producing near-perfect counterfeit Bangladeshi notes abroad and smuggling them into the country via an organized chain linking dealers, retail vendors and fugitive political figures. Sources claim a neighbouring state’s intelligence service and foreign-made machinery and components supply counterfeit currency, with documentary-quality paper matching Bangladesh notes. Social media platforms and secret groups are used to advertise and sell fake notes, offering bulk discounts and deceptive guarantees to build trust. Law enforcement reacted after a viral exposé by a Qatar-based journalist, and Bangladesh Bank described the allegation—if true—as deeply alarming, urging stronger police action and public vigilance. Officials suggest insider knowledge from former mint designers and politically-aligned staff may have aided the operation. Authorities are investigating networks, tightening monitoring, and warning citizens against suspicious online offers and secret-group solicitations, even money-back guarantees to buyers regularly.

An explosive revelation claims Sheikh Hasina and exiled Awami League leaders, with the backing of a foreign intelligence agency, are plotting to cripple Bangladesh’s economy by smuggling nearly two lakh crore taka worth of counterfeit notes into the country. Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan exposed the plan, sparking nationwide concern. Reports indicate that advanced printing facilities abroad, even using paper identical to Bangladesh’s official notes, are producing these fakes, making detection nearly impossible. Former mint designers and Awami-linked technicians are suspected of aiding the scheme. Authorities fear this influx could trigger inflation, erode public trust in currency, and destabilize financial institutions. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are on high alert, cracking down on secret networks and online groups trading fake notes. Bangladesh Bank warns citizens to stay vigilant, as the stakes for economic security remain dangerously high.

Shahidul Alam, director of Drekar and photographer, posted a video update from the Global Sumud flotilla en route to Gaza late on October 1. He said the flotilla is at sea and that news arrived of an attack on the vessel Alma; soon after, signals from that area were lost. All ships have gathered and crew members are deeply concerned. Alma had been at the front, while their ship is the largest and at the rear, raising fears that any attack could reach them. As evening fell they encountered a heated, stormy sea with lightning and are trying to move forward quickly despite being at the back. Alam accused Israeli forces of using attacks to intimidate and asked people to urgently also inform their home countries, show solidarity with the flotilla, and said he will pass messages to those affected.

Israel has intercepted 13 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean, detaining more than 200 people from 37 countries attempting to break the blockade of Gaza. Among the detained are 30 from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Turkey, and 12 from Malaysia. Despite the crackdown, flotilla organizers said around 30 more boats are still advancing toward Gaza, determined to deliver humanitarian aid. The Global Sumud Flotilla began its journey on August 31 from Barcelona, later joined by vessels from Tunisia, Italy, and Greece. With over 40 ships and participants from 44 countries, including European lawmakers, activists, doctors, and journalists, the mission seeks to challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade on Gaza. Israel claims links between the flotilla and Hamas but has provided no evidence. The convoy was expected to reach Gaza Thursday morning if unhindered.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security after last month’s unprecedented Israeli attack on Doha. The order pledges that any future assault on Qatari territory will be treated as an attack on the United States itself. The September 9 Israeli strike sparked outrage across the Middle East and beyond, raising doubts about Washington’s stance on Qatar’s security. Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare apology to Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a joint call with Trump. Qatar has been playing a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Hamas alongside the US and Egypt. However, Doha had warned it would withdraw from mediation efforts if Israel did not apologize for the attack that killed Qatari civilians.

A Bangladeshi national, Badar Ali (38), was detained by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday morning near the Jibannagar frontier in Chuadanga. Witnesses say he was caught and beaten near the zero line in Benipur Schoolpara field. Family members expressed deep concern, as his wife stated she has no information about his condition or safety. Locals confirmed that Ali had returned home Tuesday night but was seized the following morning while returning from the border area. Jibannagar police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have verified the incident. BGB has formally requested a flag meeting with BSF to resolve the matter, but no official response has yet been received from the Indian side. The incident has created anxiety in the local community amid ongoing border tensions.

The government has extended the tenure of the independent investigation commission probing the 2009 BDR massacre at Pilkhana headquarters until November 30. Originally formed on December 24 last year with Major General (Retd.) A L M Fazlur Rahman as chairman, the commission was initially given three months, later extended twice by three months each, ending September 30. A new extension order, effective from October 1, was issued Tuesday night by the Cabinet Division. The commission’s mandate includes uncovering the nature of the tragic events on February 25–26, 2009, identifying perpetrators, instigators, conspirators, evidence destroyers, and both domestic and international actors involved. This extension aims to ensure a comprehensive and conclusive report on one of the most tragic episodes in Bangladesh’s history, which left the nation in deep shock and mourning.

Education advisor Prof. Dr. C. R. Abrar has accused political syndicates of taking control of educational institutions across Bangladesh, discouraging genuine philanthropists and alumni from contributing to development. Speaking at the 246th founding anniversary of Dhaka Alia Madrasa, he said that in the past, wealthy individuals and communities actively worked to improve schools, but political interference pushed them away. Alumni also distanced themselves, fearing conflict with politically linked groups who treat institutions as personal property. Abrar noted that the burden of improvement now solely falls on the government. He revealed that the interim government is formulating policies to free institutions from such groups, enabling social workers and education enthusiasts to contribute once again. He expressed hope that reforms will soon bring positive results in the country’s education system.