Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has shared positive developments in the country’s economy, highlighting a significant drop in inflation from 12.5% to 8.3%. Speaking at a high-level National Steering Committee meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, he emphasized ongoing banking sector reforms and gradual progress in restoring overall financial stability. The governor noted that rice prices have started to fall again, which could further reduce inflation in the coming months. Addressing non-performing loans, Dr. Mansur revealed that the current ratio stands at 24% and set a target to bring it down to 4–5%. Key measures include merging five Islamic banks, gradually closing nine non-banking financial institutions, and creating a BDT 9 billion venture capital fund to encourage entrepreneurship. A cashless transaction system is also being promoted to improve revenue collection.

The six-party coalition Democracy Platform, consisting of leftist and progressive parties including JSD, Revolutionary Workers Party, Nagorik Oikko, Ganashonghoti Andolon, Bhashani Janashakti Party, and Rashtra Songskar Andolon, has provisionally finalized a list of 108 candidates for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. The formal announcement will take place today at a press conference at the Reporters’ Unity in Dhaka. Top leaders from each party, including A. S. M. Abdur Rab, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Saiful Haque, Jonaid Saki, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, and Hasnat Kaium, are featured on the list, with provisions for substitutions in case of health issues. After several rounds of internal meetings, the coalition plans to submit the finalized list to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in line with ongoing seat-sharing discussions ahead of the elections.

Iranian President Masoud Pajehsikian has reaffirmed that Iran has never attempted to develop nuclear weapons, citing the country’s fundamental principles. Speaking during a meeting with Switzerland’s newly appointed ambassador to Iran, Olivier Bangarter, Pajehsikian emphasized Iran’s dedication to stability, peace, and security in West Asia. He highlighted Switzerland’s historic role as a communication bridge between Tehran and Washington since the Islamic Revolution. The president also praised Switzerland’s neutral and constructive stance in international disputes and expressed gratitude for its assistance in medicine and food, despite challenges arising from U.S. and European sanctions. Ambassador Bangarter expressed his enthusiasm for his mission, promising to strengthen bilateral ties between Tehran and Bern and reinforce Switzerland’s role as a reliable channel of dialogue with Washington, while respecting Iran’s rich culture and hospitality.

Dr. Tofail Ahmed, a distinguished local government expert, researcher, and former member and chairman of the Local Government Reform Commission, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, at a private hospital in Dhaka. A retired professor of the Department of Public Administration at Chittagong University and a Syndicate member, Dr. Ahmed was widely recognized for his pioneering research on Bangladesh’s local government system. During the caretaker government of 2024, he served as the head of the Local Government Reform Commission, providing constructive and practical recommendations for improving local governance. He also contributed extensively to academic literature, authoring nearly 20 books in Bengali and English, along with numerous articles in national and international journals. Dr. Ahmed served as a Local Governance Advisor for the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed profound sorrow, prayed for the departed soul, and extended heartfelt condolences to Dr. Ahmed’s family, colleagues, and well-wishers.

Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso has expressed deep sorrow for the people of Gaza as Italy prepares to face Israel in a World Cup qualifier in Udine next Tuesday. Amid escalating violence in Gaza and worldwide protests, Gattuso acknowledged the moral conflict of playing against Israel while atrocities continue. Calls to cancel the match have grown, with Udine’s mayor urging a suspension, but Italy must play to avoid a default 0-3 loss and preserve their World Cup aspirations. Gattuso described the situation in Gaza as “extremely painful,” particularly for innocent civilians and children, and admitted that while his heart aches, the team has no choice but to compete in the match.

A recent report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has raised serious concerns over religious freedom in Pakistan, highlighting increasing persecution of the Ahmadiyya community, forced conversions, and violent attacks against religious minorities. Pakistan has been designated a “Country of Particular Concern” due to its systematic discrimination against Ahmadis and the government’s failure to curb related violence. The report notes that Pakistan’s Penal Code openly discriminates against Ahmadis, restricting their ability to identify as Muslims or practice their faith publicly. In 2025, violence escalated with three Ahmadi mosques demolished in Punjab in February, followed by an attack in April where over 400 people assaulted another Ahmadi mosque, brutally killing Ahmadi worker Laiq Chima. Forced conversions of Hindu and Christian girls continue in Sindh and Punjab. The USCIRF urges increased awareness and action by policymakers to protect religious minorities in the country.

Hamas has confirmed that it reached an indirect ceasefire agreement with Israel this week in Egypt, aiming to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Palestinian organization stated the deal allows for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of prisoners. U.S. President Donald Trump earlier announced that both Hamas and Israel had agreed to implement the first phase of his 20-point plan for a ceasefire and hostage release. Hamas submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners to Israeli authorities, pending final approval, which will be publicly released once authorized. The group called on President Trump to ensure Israel fully implements the agreement without delay, emphasizing the importance of compliance to secure lasting peace in the region.

For the first time, two Bangladeshis are running in Portugal’s local government elections, marking a significant milestone in immigrant political engagement. Shah Alam Kajol is seeking re-election in Porto’s Bonfim Junta area as a Socialist Party candidate, having previously served as a councilor. Meanwhile, Masud Majumdar is participating for the first time in Lisbon’s São Vicente Junta Freguesia area as an independent candidate. Both emphasize their commitment to addressing real local issues and improving citizens’ quality of life. Experts and community leaders note that immigrant leadership is vital, especially amid rising right-wing politics in Portugal. Their active participation is inspiring not only the Bangladeshi diaspora but also other immigrant communities, sending a positive message about inclusion and representation. These developments are strengthening the visibility of Bangladeshis in Europe and enhancing the country’s image internationally.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan is scheduled to testify today before the International Crimes Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The testimony also includes allegations against eight others in connection with the killings of six people at Dhaka’s Chankharpul area during the July–August 2024 student protests. The trial is being conducted under the supervision of Justice Md. Golam Murtuza Mojumdar at International Crimes Tribunal-1. Four accused—former Shahbagh Police Station OC Md. Arshad Hossain, constable Md. Sujan Mia, Md. Imaj Hossain Imon, and Md. Nasirul Islam—are in custody, while four others, including former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, remain absconding. The tribunal had framed charges against all eight accused on July 14, 2024. During the protests on August 5, 2024, police fired on students, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, including six confirmed fatalities.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has estimated that rebuilding Gaza will require $52 billion, equivalent to 634,000 crore Bangladeshi taka, following two years of relentless Israeli attacks that left most of the enclave in ruins. UNOPS Director Jorge Moreira da Silva told Al Jazeera that 80 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed, adding that debris removal will be the first priority once the conflict ends. In a parallel development, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a peace plan aimed at ending the Gaza war. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the deal includes the release of hostages and Israeli troop withdrawal. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also confirmed progress on four key negotiation points: prisoner exchange, troop withdrawal boundaries, humanitarian aid, and ceasefire conditions.

Israeli naval forces have detained Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, along with more than 150 international volunteers, after intercepting a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters on Wednesday. The nine-ship convoy, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying over $110,000 worth of medical supplies and humanitarian aid for hospitals in Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed that the detainees, now taken to Ashdod Port, are in good health and will be repatriated soon. Organizers alleged that Israeli commandos raided the vessels from helicopters and unlawfully seized their boats. Turkey condemned the operation as an act of piracy and a serious breach of international law, saying Turkish citizens and MPs were also on board. The incident adds to growing global criticism of Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has intensified famine and humanitarian suffering since October 2023.

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to implement the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, aimed at ending the prolonged war in the region. Trump announced the development on his social media platform Truth Social, saying the deal will lead to the release of all hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the beginning of a sustainable peace process. The negotiations took place in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, with participation from key mediators including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, both sides agreed on all terms for the first phase of the ceasefire. The agreement is expected to end hostilities, free hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, signaling a major breakthrough in one of the world’s deadliest ongoing conflicts.

Bangladesh’s political parties have reached a broad agreement to implement the “July National Charter 2025” through a national referendum, but they remain divided over when it should be held. The BNP proposes holding the referendum alongside the upcoming parliamentary election, while Jamaat-e-Islami wants it in November, followed by a February election based on the charter. The Consensus Commission has concluded its talks with the parties without reaching any decision and will submit its recommendations to the government by tomorrow. The charter includes 84 reform proposals, requiring executive orders, presidential ordinances, and constitutional amendments. Political analyst Ali Riaz emphasized ensuring voters understand dissenting views before approving the charter. BNP seeks a quick resolution for legal legitimacy, while Jamaat warns that combining the election and referendum could undermine credibility. The final decision on timing now rests with the government.

The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that since October 7, 2023, Israel’s attacks have killed 67,173 Palestinians, including 20,179 children, while 169,780 people have been injured. Continuous bombardment has also severely impacted healthcare workers, with 1,701 killed and 362 detained, many missing and denied basic rights. The ministry highlighted deaths from famine caused by Israel’s blockade, with 460 fatalities, including 154 children, and over 51,000 children under five suffering severe malnutrition. According to the United Nations, only 18% of Gaza is free from military control or evacuation orders, and many Palestinians have faced repeated displacement. Since mid-August, 417,000 people fled north to south, but southern areas remain overcrowded with families in makeshift shelters. Aid agencies are struggling amid limited resources, and the UN warns that forced relocation of civilians could constitute ethnic cleansing.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has responded sharply to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s sarcastic comments about her “anger issues,” suggesting that he might be the one in need of anger management. Trump mocked Thunberg after her detention and deportation by Israeli authorities during a Gaza aid mission, calling her “angry” and “troublesome.” In a witty Instagram post, Thunberg thanked Trump for his “concern” about her mental health and offered to take his advice on anger management—if he could manage his own. This latest exchange continues a long-running feud between the two, dating back to Trump’s earlier mockery of Thunberg’s climate activism at the United Nations. Thunberg, now 22, gained fame for her Fridays for Future movement and remains active in humanitarian causes. She was warmly welcomed in Greece after being released, along with 171 activists deported from Israel.