Awami League Advisory Council member and former Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed is in a critical state at Square Hospital in Dhaka, where he has been on life support for several days. His condition worsened on Saturday night when his blood pressure and pulse dropped significantly before stabilizing again. Family sources report that doctors have not issued any formal statement, though his heart remains functional. The veteran politician, aged 81, has long battled health issues, including paralysis on one side of his body following a stroke, and has relied on a wheelchair for years. Born in Bhola in 1943, Ahmed was a student leader during the 1969 mass uprising, serving as DUCSU vice president and convenor of the All-Party Student Action Council. His contribution to Bangladesh’s political landscape spans decades, and his current health condition has drawn concern from colleagues and supporters nationwide.

Israel has carried out fresh airstrikes across Gaza, killing 46 Palestinians, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to halt bombings following Hamas’s agreement to a ceasefire. The latest attacks, which continued from early Saturday to evening, included a deadly strike on a home in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood that killed 17 people from one family, among them women and children—the youngest just eight months old. Al Jazeera reports that three of the dead were waiting for aid. Gaza’s Health Ministry says the death toll since the war began on October 7, 2023, has now reached 67,074. The enclave faces severe famine, with two more people dying from hunger in the past 24 hours, raising starvation-related deaths to 459, including 154 children. The Israeli military has not commented on the recent operations.

Pakistan has reportedly approached the United States with a proposal to build and operate a port along the Arabian Sea, signaling a potential shift in regional geopolitics. According to the Financial Times report published on October 3, advisers to Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, have initiated discussions with U.S. officials regarding the project. The plan involves U.S. investors constructing and managing a terminal in Pasni, a coastal town in Balochistan’s Gwadar district, neighboring Afghanistan and Iran. This move could grant Washington strategic access to one of the world’s most sensitive regions while enabling American firms to explore Pakistan’s rich mineral reserves. If realized, the project may influence both U.S.-China competition in the region and Pakistan’s economic alignment, as Pasni lies close to the Chinese-funded Gwadar port, a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative.

A treasure-hunting company, 1715 Fleet-Queen’s Jewels LLC, has recovered more than 1,000 silver coins and five gold coins from a shipwreck off Florida’s coast. The ship, which sank in 1715, has long been associated with Spanish treasure fleets lost to storms. Experts estimate the market value of the recovered treasure at around $1 million (approximately 12.17 crore Bangladeshi taka). The discovery adds to ongoing efforts to locate more artifacts from the same wreck, believed to contain a much larger cache of valuable items. The coins’ excellent condition and historical significance have sparked fresh excitement among archaeologists and collectors.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has revealed a draft design for a one-dollar coin featuring former President Donald Trump, as part of plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The proposed design shows Trump’s profile on the front, with the word “Liberty” above and the years “1776–2026” below. The draft image was first shared on social media platform X by U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beech, later officially confirmed by the Treasury Office. This proposed coin would be part of a limited-edition series recognizing figures linked to the nation’s political and historical legacy. The idea has sparked both interest and debate across political circles, as Trump’s inclusion on currency would mark an unprecedented move in modern U.S. history.

Khelafat Majlis has announced a new series of nationwide programs demanding the immediate legal recognition and implementation of the July National Charter (2025) before holding the 13th National Parliamentary Election. At a press briefing in Dhaka’s Engineers Institution, Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader stated that the interim government must take responsibility for executing the charter and ensuring a fair election based on it. He criticized the delay in justice for the previous regime and highlighted the absence of an effective level playing field, administrative neutrality, and necessary political reforms. The party presented a six-point demand, including granting constitutional legitimacy to the July Charter through a referendum or presidential proclamation. The declared programs include mass communication from October 5–9, divisional rallies on October 10, submission of memoranda to deputy commissioners on October 12, and constituency-based campaigns from October 15–30. Khelafat Majlis emphasized that the interim government must remove uncertainty surrounding the Charter’s implementation.

A violent clash broke out in Dhaka’s Lalbagh area on Friday night following an argument between two teenagers over the popular mobile game “Free Fire.” The dispute, which began as a quarrel between Mamun and another boy, escalated into a physical fight involving their families. During the altercation in the Amoligola Bazar area, Shahid, a raw-material vendor and father of one of the boys, was severely beaten and injured. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 1:30 a.m. in critical condition. According to police sources, the incident stemmed from a family dispute triggered by the children’s gaming argument. Lalbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mostafa Kamal Khan confirmed that it appears to be a domestic conflict. Authorities advised the injured man’s family to file an official complaint with medical documents if they wish to proceed legally. Police have already been informed about the incident for further investigation and necessary action.

In Cumilla’s Titas upazila, Sohel Munshi, a joint convener of the upazila JASAS (a BNP cultural wing), has been accused of verbally abusing a head teacher while falsely identifying himself as a journalist. An audio recording of the 4-minute-15-second phone conversation between Sohel and Keshabpur Girls’ High School head teacher, Ali Gofran, went viral on Facebook. In the audio, Sohel introduces himself as “journalist Sohel Munshi” and uses obscene and insulting language after the teacher politely responds. The incident has sparked anger among local educators. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, president of the Titas Secondary Teachers’ Committee, condemned the language used and demanded legal action against Sohel. Meanwhile, Cumilla North District JASAS president Kamal Parvez Dalim said that Sohel had been previously warned and that this latest misconduct was “unpardonable.” The organization has pledged to take strict disciplinary measures soon, amid public calls for accountability and respect toward educators.

BNP’s central sports affairs secretary and Dhaka North convenor, Aminul Haque, accused certain political groups of attempting to delay the upcoming national election, scheduled for February, under various pretexts. Speaking at a free medical camp organized by Pallabi and Rupnagar BNP units, he said such attempts undermine democracy and citizens’ rights. Haque harshly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, likening its influence to smoking—harmful to religion. He claimed Jamaat exploits Islam for political gain, which threatens both faith and society. Citing a Jamaat leader’s recent controversial comment equating fasting and puja, Haque said such statements are unacceptable to the people of Bangladesh. Emphasizing BNP’s commitment to an inclusive, non-communal Bangladesh, he reaffirmed the party’s mission to ensure citizens’ welfare, education, health, and dignity. After the event, Haque joined a tree-planting program at the Urban Children’s Park in Bauniabad, accompanied by other BNP leaders from Dhaka North.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem has criticized the U.S.-proposed Gaza ceasefire plan, calling it “dangerous” and an Israeli political maneuver disguised as peace. Speaking at a memorial event in Lebanon on October 4, Qassem alleged that Israel aims to achieve through diplomacy what it failed to secure through military aggression, genocide, and blockade. He said the plan represents Israel’s broader “Greater Israel” project, which he claimed includes not only Gaza and the West Bank but also parts of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Qassem urged people across the region to resist this plan, warning it would eventually affect everyone. He emphasized that the final decision on the U.S. proposal rests with Hamas and other Palestinian resistance groups, asserting their right to determine the appropriate response. Qassem’s remarks come amid growing tensions over international efforts to end the Gaza conflict and shape post-war governance.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest sea-based humanitarian mission to Gaza, united doctors, lawyers, politicians, artists, and activists from around the world to defy Israel’s blockade and deliver aid to Palestinians. Behind this daring voyage stood ten key figures—the “Steering Committee”—whose leadership transformed vision into action. They include Greek historian Cleoniki Alexopoulou, Turkish-German activist Yasemin Akar, Brazilian environmentalist Thiago Ávila, Italian physicist Maria Elena Delia, Palestinian organizer Saif Abu Keshek, Malaysian humanitarian Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri, Algerian leader Marouane Ben Guettaya, Tunisian activists Wael Nawar and Haifa Mansouri, and rural women’s rights advocate Torkia Chaibi. Their collective courage symbolizes global solidarity with Gaza, connecting movements from Latin America to North Africa. Each brought unique expertise—from academia to grassroots organizing—demonstrating that compassion and resistance can sail together against oppression. The flotilla remains a beacon of international moral defiance and human unity.

In a candid interview for Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveller, Prince William shared his intention to bring meaningful reforms to the British monarchy when he becomes king. Speaking at Windsor Castle with actor Eugene Levy, the Prince of Wales said he wants to “change things for the better” so that his children “can be proud” of his legacy. While he did not specify the nature of the reforms, William emphasized that he welcomes change and finds it inspiring rather than intimidating. Reflecting on his upbringing with his brother Harry, he expressed a desire to leave behind outdated traditions. The BBC reported that royal insiders view this as his most open conversation yet. Acknowledging the challenges of the past year, William also stressed the need to question old customs to keep the monarchy relevant, asking, “Is this still the right thing to do in today’s world?”

A Russian drone strike on a passenger train station in Shostka, Sumy region, has left at least one dead and over thirty injured. The attack occurred on Saturday morning, sparking a fire that engulfed a passenger train. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault as “barbaric,” while prosecutors confirmed the recovery of a 71-year-old man’s body. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said Russia used a “double-tap” tactic, targeting rescuers during the second strike. Power outages followed in Shostka and surrounding areas. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia has been attacking railway and energy infrastructure almost daily for two months, cutting off over 50,000 households in the latest strikes. Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed to have hit Russia’s Kirishi oil refinery near St. Petersburg with a drone attack, and French photojournalist Antoine Lallican was killed in another Russian strike in eastern Ukraine, becoming the 14th journalist to die since the 2022 invasion.

Israel has sent 137 people detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla to Turkey, following the forcible interception of 443 activists in international waters. The detainees include citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Algeria, Mauritania, Malaysia, Bahrain, Morocco, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Turkey. Israeli commandos had earlier intercepted all ships of the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, detaining human rights activists on board, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Many countries have condemned Israel’s actions as “acts of terrorism.” The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of more than 40 civilian vessels, aims to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and involves nearly 500 activists from 46 countries, including elected representatives, lawyers, doctors, and journalists. The first convoy sailed from Barcelona on August 31, with additional vessels joining from Tunisia, Sicily, and later from the Greek island of Samos.

Teachers recommended by the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) are set to announce a strict program demanding the prompt initiation of transfer procedures. A press conference will be held tomorrow, October 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the Maulana Mohammad Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club under the banner of Bangladesh Unity of Teachers. Spokesperson A.H. Bablu stated that despite the policy requiring vacancy data collection from September, the process has not been followed. He emphasized that teachers prefer not to take strict action but will escalate if the government fails to respond to their ultimatum. Long-standing stagnation of teachers at single institutions has hindered professional development, prompting the government to introduce an automatic transfer system. However, software control issues and court petitions have stalled transfers. NTRCA-recommended teachers are now mobilizing again to press for immediate resumption of the transfer process.