Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced an updated schedule for metro rail services, extending operating hours from both Motijheel and Uttara North stations starting Sunday, October 19. The first train from Uttara North towards Motijheel will now depart at 6:30 AM instead of 7:10 AM, and the last train will depart at 9:30 PM. From Motijheel towards Uttara North, the first train will leave at 7:30 AM and the final train at 10:10 PM. These changes, applicable from Saturday to Thursday, aim to improve passenger convenience and enhance service quality. On Fridays, the schedule remains unchanged, with the first trains in the afternoon and the last trains around 9:40 PM. Commuters can now enjoy extended service hours during the week for easier travel across the city.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced that it will not sign the July Charter without first reviewing the draft implementation order. Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, described the party’s stance as “regrettable” but emphasized optimism that the NCP may eventually sign the charter considering the broader political context. At a press conference, NCP convener Nahid Islam outlined three key demands: public disclosure of the finalized text and referendum question, issuance of the draft implementation order by Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus as a reflection of the people’s sovereign will, and nullification of any ‘Note of Dissent’ if the public approves the charter via referendum. Out of 84 proposals in the July Charter, NCP has dissent only on one, advocating for 15 percent women’s direct election compared to the commission’s 5 percent proposal. The commission expects rapid implementation after the signing.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he does not want to harm Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political career, describing him as “a great man” who “loves Trump.” Speaking at the White House on October 15, Trump revealed that Modi assured him India would soon stop importing oil from Russia, a move he believes will help restore peace in Ukraine. Trump acknowledged the long-standing hostility between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the main barrier to peace, adding that India’s decision to halt oil purchases would make resolving the conflict much easier. He also praised Modi as a leader who has stood the test of time and maintained strong leadership over the years.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed his willingness to mediate and ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has applied for parole to pursue these discussions. His sister, Naurin Khan, said he was deeply concerned over the recent border clashes and the displacement of Afghan citizens from Pakistan. Imran Khan has proposed resolving the country’s issues with Afghanistan through dialogue. This comes amid recent military clashes, where both Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged fire, prompting a temporary 48-hour ceasefire. PTI leaders maintain that Khan’s approach has always focused on discussions, not implementation of any settlements with banned groups, countering criticism from rival political parties. The proposal aims to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorist attacks in Pakistan while promoting diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries.

Teachers’ organizations have been advocating for a 20% increase in house rent along with other demands, but the government is currently discussing a 5% raise, with a minimum of 2,000 Taka, due to financial constraints, according to Education Advisor Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Education on October 16, he emphasized that he has long supported improvements in teachers’ salaries, training, and professional dignity. Dr. Abrar noted that the government is sensitive and respectful toward teachers’ demands and is actively considering a percentage-based house rent system based on available resources. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize professional development and training programs, stressing that teachers’ respect and capabilities are as important as their salaries.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly accused U.S. President Donald Trump of attempting to overthrow his government in Caracas by authorizing a covert CIA operation under the guise of combating drug trafficking. The allegations came after reports that Trump had signaled plans to carry out secret operations in Venezuela and hinted at possible attacks on Venezuelan territory, describing them as “dramatic moves” beyond targeting the nation’s navy in the Caribbean. Maduro condemned the actions as a “CIA-led coup” and warned against labeling it as war or regime change. Experts remain skeptical of Trump’s claims, particularly regarding alleged threats from Venezuelans in the United States. Earlier this month, the U.S. administration justified military measures against drug cartels, describing it as necessary to stop narcotics flow. The move has sparked political outrage in Congress, with members arguing Trump is bypassing congressional approval.

Education Secretary Rehana Parvin has assured that a national pay scale for teachers will be implemented in the near future, aiming to address longstanding issues related to salaries and house rent allowances. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Education on October 16, she highlighted that teachers under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) system have been demanding an increase in house rent. Rehana Parvin confirmed that the Ministry of Education has sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance regarding the matter and emphasized that officials are working tirelessly, even while some key advisors are abroad. She expressed optimism that discussions will lead to a resolution, and the new national pay scale will have a positive impact on teachers’ financial well-being. The Secretary called for cooperation from all stakeholders and noted that it may take some time to observe the full benefits.

Dilip Kumar Agarwala, a high-profile businessman and one of Sheikh Hasina’s key financiers, has been mysteriously released from Keraniganj Central Jail under strict secrecy, raising questions in legal circles. He was granted bail on September 27 in a Gulshan murder case, and just three days later, on September 30, he was quietly freed without any intelligence reports submitted during the period. Lawyers allege that such a swift release would not have been possible without direct assistance from influential state officials. Dilip had been imprisoned for about a year, spending much of it in a VIP hospital cabin with access to family visits and alleged mobile phone threats to plaintiffs. He faces over a dozen ongoing legal cases, including multiple murder charges, and investigations into massive illegal wealth accumulation and gold smuggling across India, Canada, and the U.S. His current whereabouts remain unknown, with speculation he may have crossed the border.

Tensions are rising as Russia issues a stark warning over the U.S. decision to supply 50 Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. The European Union welcomed Washington’s move, but Moscow cautioned that such actions could trigger catastrophic consequences. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, hinted at a possible nuclear response, stressing there is no clear distinction between nuclear and conventional Tomahawks. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko echoed similar fears, claiming the move could mark the beginning of nuclear war. Meanwhile, Poland urged stronger European defenses and long-term support for Ukraine, calling inaction “irresponsible.” The U.K. announced a £600 million investment to expand drone production for Kyiv, having already supplied over 85,000 military drones. NATO members are also reportedly discussing how to treat any Russian aircraft violating allied airspace as legitimate targets, underscoring growing fears of direct confrontation between Moscow and the Western alliance.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced it will boycott the July National Charter signing ceremony scheduled for October 17, citing two major reasons—absence of a legal foundation for the charter and lack of access to its full text. NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the party has consistently pushed for a legally recognized framework since the 2024 people’s uprising, but those demands remain unfulfilled. He described the signing event as a “deceptive process,” adding that NCP will not participate until transparency and legal assurance are ensured. Earlier, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain also expressed doubts about the charter’s implementation, suggesting that without clarity, its objectives could remain unachieved. The boycott announcement just a day before the event has raised uncertainty over the ceremony’s credibility and unity among pro-reform groups.

The 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examination results reveal a steep decline in student performance across Bangladesh. Out of about 1.25 million candidates, more than 500,000 failed, bringing the national pass rate down to 58.83%—the lowest in the past ten years. The Dhaka Education Board led with a 64.62% pass rate, while Cumilla lagged behind with only 48.86%. Other boards scored between 50% and 62%. A total of 69,097 students secured GPA-5, but 202 institutions saw no students pass, a significant rise from 65 last year. Female students continued to outperform males, achieving a 63% pass rate compared to 55% for boys. The data reflect a concerning downward trend in educational outcomes, raising questions about teaching quality, exam standards, and post-pandemic recovery in the education sector.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced it will not sign the July Charter unless it can first review the draft of the implementation order. Party Convener Nahid Islam said the order must be made public before signing and issued by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus as head of government, not president. At a press conference on October 16, Nahid alleged that political parties were excluded from reviewing the July Declaration’s content and that several key narratives were omitted. He insisted that 84 unresolved issues be placed under a national referendum and dismissed any “symbolic or dramatic formalities” without a legal foundation. The NCP also demanded elections be held in February, accusing the Election Commission of losing neutrality over the party’s electoral symbol. Nahid warned that any attempt to enforce decisions through pressure would be unacceptable.

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit three Asian countries—Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia—later this month as part of a diplomatic tour. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent, Trump will first travel to Japan before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea, which begins on October 31. He is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping there amid ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Prior to that, Trump will participate in the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, where he will witness the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia following their recent border conflict. The visit underscores Washington’s strategic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region during a period of shifting global alliances and economic competition.

The Bangladesh Bank has released a directive reminding citizens that 1 and 2 taka coins remain valid legal tender across the country. The central bank observed that in several areas, people are unwilling to accept or use these small-denomination coins in financial transactions. In its statement issued on Wednesday (October 15) by the Department of Communications and Publications, the bank emphasized that refusing to transact with legal currency constitutes a violation of existing monetary laws. Bangladesh Bank urged all individuals, businesses, and institutions to treat both paper notes and metal coins equally in cash dealings. The bank further requested public cooperation to maintain trust and efficiency in the nation’s financial system, ensuring the smooth circulation of all valid currency.

Bangladeshi expatriate Shah Alam Kajol has been re-elected as a member of the Bonfim Junta Freguesia Assembly in Porto, Portugal, securing his second consecutive term in the local elections held on October 12. Representing Portugal’s Socialist Party, Kajol won his seat despite his party’s overall loss at the municipal level. Expressing gratitude, he thanked the Bangladeshi community in Portugal for their unwavering support and promised to continue standing beside them. Beyond politics, Kajol plays a vital role as president of the Bangladesh Community of Porto, fostering cultural unity, promoting Bangladesh’s positive image, and supporting employment initiatives for expatriates. His contributions have made him a respected figure in both political and social spheres. Fellow expatriates across Portugal have celebrated his victory, calling him a source of inspiration for the Bangladeshi diaspora. Another Bangladeshi candidate, Masud Majumder, also contested independently in Lisbon but was unable to secure a win.