Non-performing loans in Bangladesh’s banking sector have surged to Tk 6.67 trillion, or 33 percent of total loans, according to recent data from Bangladesh Bank. Officials attribute the rise to three main factors: hidden loans issued during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure are now being revealed, the timeline to declare a loan non-performing was shortened from six months to three months to meet IMF conditions, and special exemptions for agricultural and SME loans were removed. For the first time, the central bank disclosed 3,483 deliberate defaulters. Experts warn urgent legal action is necessary to prevent further banking sector collapse. Former officials emphasize that many of these funds have been transferred abroad and demand the creation of special tribunals or dedicated High Court benches to expedite justice.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has held a public hearing on a proposal to nearly double gas prices for fertilizer factories—from Tk 16 to Tk 40 per unit. Petrobangla and six gas distribution companies argued that the price hike would reduce financial losses and help sustain gas supply, while a BERC technical committee suggested Tk 30 as a more balanced rate. Critics at the hearing warned that higher gas costs would raise fertilizer production expenses, potentially driving up prices for farmers and consumers. The Agriculture Ministry stated that the government currently subsidizes Tk 13,000 per ton of fertilizer and intends to maintain stable prices for farmers. However, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) criticized previous unfulfilled promises of uninterrupted gas supply, noting a drop of 300,000 tons in annual fertilizer production. Stakeholders urged caution, emphasizing that gas supply must be ensured before any price increase.

Bangladesh’s inflation rate edged higher in September, heightening consumer discomfort as both food and non-food prices saw increases. According to data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on October 6, overall inflation rose to 8.36%, up from 8.29% in August. Food inflation climbed to 7.64%, while non-food inflation reached 8.98%. Rural areas experienced slightly higher inflation at 8.47%, compared to 8.28% in urban areas. In rural regions, food inflation was 7.54% and non-food inflation 9.40%, while in cities, the figures stood at 7.94% and 8.51%, respectively. The continued rise in prices across sectors suggests sustained economic strain on households, particularly amid rising living costs and declining purchasing power.

Mass protests led mainly by Madagascar’s Gen Z youth have continued for a third straight week, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. What began as demonstrations over chronic shortages of water and electricity has evolved into a broader movement against corruption, inequality, and government failure. Police in the capital Antananarivo used tear gas to disperse protesters, with clashes also reported in the cities of Toliara and Diego Suarez. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and over a hundred injured, though the government disputes these figures. President Rajoelina, who dissolved his cabinet last week, has refused to resign, saying he is open to dialogue but will not step down. Civil society groups have urged authorities to ensure the safety of demonstrators and release detained activists as public anger grows across the country.

Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Aminul Islam Bulbul has been elected unopposed as the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The election took place on Monday (October 6) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a five-star hotel in Dhaka. Bulbul, who earlier won as a director from the district and divisional category, became president without any rival candidate. A total of 23 directors were elected from three categories — district and divisional representatives, Dhaka club representatives, and former cricketers or institutional nominees. Additionally, the National Sports Council nominated two directors: M. Isfak Ahsan and Yasir Mohammad Faisal Ashiq. Among the notable winners were Khaled Masud Pilot from the ex-cricketers’ category and several prominent cricket figures from different divisions. Bulbul’s unopposed victory marks a new chapter for the BCB under the leadership of a former national captain.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has emphasized that real and lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Speaking amid Egypt’s ongoing mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, Sisi said that a Gaza ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and the launch of a credible political process are essential steps toward long-term stability. Egypt has been hosting negotiations involving international mediators seeking to end the conflict. However, despite diplomatic efforts, Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, killing at least seven more Palestinians early Monday, including some who were collecting aid. Since the war began, Israeli strikes have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and injured over 169,000 others, with many still feared trapped under the rubble. Observers say Egypt’s strong statement underscores growing regional frustration over the prolonged violence and lack of progress toward a two-state solution.

India is set to purchase five additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, aiming to strengthen its air defense network and enhance national security. Senior Indian defense officials are scheduled to meet Russian counterparts this week to finalize whether the missiles will be jointly produced or directly purchased. Officials anticipate signing the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit in early December. India also plans to involve the private sector to develop local maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities for the S-400 systems. The country has already received three systems under a $5.43 billion contract, with two more expected in 2026. The S-400s played a critical role during the May border conflict with Pakistan. Additionally, India intends to procure 200 km range R-27BV missiles to strengthen its Su-30MKI fighter fleet, while gradually boosting domestic defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

In a plot that sounds straight out of a movie, a jeweler in Manikganj staged a fake robbery at his own store to deceive everyone. Police said that 35-year-old shop owner Shubho Das of Abhi Jewellers, located in the Swarnakar Patti area, hired three men—Sohan, Amanat, and Sharif—for Tk 5 lakh to act out a robbery. On the night of October 4, the hired men entered the shop wearing caps, held Shubho at knifepoint, and took away 22 bhori (around 40 lakh taka worth) of gold ornaments. To make the act convincing, they even injured Shubho before fleeing. Locals rushed him to the hospital, believing it was a real attack. However, police investigation later revealed that Shubho had orchestrated the entire event. All four suspects were arrested from Shailipara, Pouli area, and police are now probing possible financial motives and other hidden agendas.

The price of gold in Bangladesh has surged to an all-time high, with 22-carat gold exceeding 200,000 taka per vori for the first time. The Bangladesh Jewelers Association (BAJUS) announced that starting Tuesday, October 11, the new rate for 22-carat gold will be 200,726 taka per vori, marking an increase of 3,150 taka within 24 hours. Other gold carats have also seen price hikes: 21-carat at 191,605 taka, 18-carat at 164,229 taka, and traditional method gold at 136,445 taka per vori. The rise is attributed to the increase in pure gold prices in the local market. Buyers are required to include a 5% government VAT and a 6% minimum labor cost, though labor charges may vary depending on design and quality. Silver prices remain unchanged with 22-carat silver at 3,628 taka per vori.

The admission test for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) course in Bangladesh’s government and private medical colleges for the 2025-26 academic year will be held on December 12. The Ministry of Health, Education, and Family Welfare finalized the date in a meeting on Monday. Professor Rubina Yasmin, Additional Director General (Medical Education) of the Directorate General of Health Services, confirmed preparations are underway. The exam is being scheduled earlier than previous years due to the national parliamentary elections in February 2026 and the month of Ramadan. Bangladesh currently has 110 medical colleges, including 37 government colleges with 5,380 seats and 67 approved private colleges with 6,293 seats, along with one Armed Forces Medical College and five private army colleges. Last year’s exam was held on January 17, making this year’s test more than a month earlier.

A Ukrainian drone attack has caused widespread electricity disruption in Russia’s western Belgorod region, leaving nearly 40,000 residents without power as of Sunday evening, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Hospitals are relying on generators to maintain essential services. The attack also injured at least three people, including a 10-year-old child. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported power disruptions in Lviv near the Polish border due to Russian strikes, claiming four civilians were killed. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that their operations target weapons factories and fuel infrastructure, asserting civilians are not their objective. Since autumn 2022, Russia has regularly attacked Ukraine’s energy facilities, with President Vladimir Putin previously declaring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure a strategic target following the Crimea Bridge bombing.

Liakat Ali, General Secretary of Jhilongja Union BNP in Cox’s Bazar Sadar, was critically injured after a violent attack at his home late Sunday night, October 5. Four youths on two motorcycles entered his house in the Link Road BSCIC industrial area, fired multiple shots, and attacked him with sharp weapons before fleeing. Locals rescued Liakat Ali and admitted him to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, later transferring him to Chittagong Medical College due to his worsening condition. Police are investigating, but no arrests have been made so far. BNP leaders allege the attack was orchestrated by local criminal Abdul Khalek in retaliation for Liakat Ali’s vocal opposition to extortion in the area. A security guard was also injured when attackers severed his leg tendon. Local BNP members staged road blockades and protests, demanding immediate arrest of the perpetrators within 24 hours.

On the eve of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, outgoing president Aminul Islam addressed the media, emphasizing that whether the election is ideal or not will ultimately be decided by the Election Commission. Aminul, who assumed the presidency unexpectedly four months ago, highlighted the board’s visible progress during his short tenure. He denied any undue influence despite allegations that sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya intervened in his favor. The election process has been marked by controversy, government scrutiny, candidate withdrawals—including Tamim Iqbal—and accusations of early voting, leaving little sense of real competition. Aminul maintained that his decision to run again is motivated solely by his commitment to Bangladesh cricket and stated that he respects the constitution and Election Commission rules, leaving non-participation or boycotts as a personal choice for others.

Three distinguished researchers—Mary Branco and Fred Ramsdell from the United States, and Shimon Sakaguchi from Japan—have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work on peripheral immune tolerance. This vital mechanism helps the immune system avoid attacking the body’s own cells or harmless external elements such as food components and beneficial gut bacteria. The announcement was made by Sweden’s Karolinska Institute in Stockholm at 3:30 PM Bangladesh time on Monday. The laureates will receive a medal, a certificate, and a total prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately 1.2 million USD or 146 million BDT), to be shared among them. The discovery has major implications for autoimmune disease treatment and immune regulation research, shaping the future of medical science.

The Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal has announced a one-day program on October 7 to mark the 6th martyrdom anniversary of Abrar Fahad, a talented and patriotic student of BUET’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department who was brutally killed by the ruling party’s student wing, Chhatra League. The announcement was made on October 5 by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. As part of the program, a discussion session titled “From Expression to Death: The Spread and Resistance of Fascism in Educational Institutions” will be held at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University at 2:00 PM. On the same day, Milad and prayer gatherings will be organized across educational institutions nationwide, seeking forgiveness for Abrar Fahad’s soul. Top leaders have instructed all university and college branches to actively participate and ensure proper observance of the program.