Renowned Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and activist Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody after being abducted from the Freedom Flotilla’s ship “Conscience” on October 8 by Israeli occupation forces. Following his capture, he was taken to Israel’s Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert, where numerous Palestinian prisoners are reportedly subjected to severe mistreatment. Dr. Alam was freed earlier today and has arrived in Turkey on Turkish Airlines flight TK6921. According to Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Turkey, Amanul Haque, he will return home tonight on another Turkish Airlines flight departing Istanbul at 6:45 p.m. local time (9:45 p.m. Bangladesh time). The flight is expected to land in Dhaka early Saturday morning at 4:55 a.m. His release has brought relief and joy to colleagues, human rights advocates, and supporters across Bangladesh who had been calling for his safe return.

Internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi photographer and writer Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody after being abducted by Israeli occupation forces on October 8 from the Freedom Flotilla ship Conscience. He was detained at Israel’s Ketziot Prison, located in the Negev Desert, known for holding Palestinian prisoners under harsh conditions. Shahidul Alam arrived safely in Turkey today on Turkish Airlines flight TK6921. The Chief Adviser’s Office confirmed his arrival, stating that Bangladesh’s Consul General in Istanbul, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, welcomed him at the airport. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan played a vital role in facilitating Alam’s release, for which Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude. Shahidul was among several journalists, activists, and medical workers detained from the flotilla by Israeli forces. He is expected to return to Bangladesh soon following his release.

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and human rights activist Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody after being detained along with other journalists, medics, and crew members aboard the Conscience, a ship of the Freedom Flotilla bound for Gaza. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces on October 8, and all aboard were taken to Ashdod Port and later transferred to the Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert, known for harsh conditions. His release was confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, which also announced that he boarded a flight from Israel to Istanbul with Turkish assistance. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for facilitating Alam’s release. Shahidul Alam is expected to return home soon, marking the end of his brief but intense detention that sparked international concern and renewed calls for humanitarian access to Gaza.

Former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmad has announced his resignation from Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), stating his intention to work independently for human rights, democracy, and constitutional freedoms. Mushtaq, who recently returned to Pakistan after being detained by Israeli authorities during the Global Sea Flotilla mission, said his resignation was submitted on September 19 while aboard the flotilla, though the party has yet to formally accept it. Known for his principled stance within JI, he described the decision as deeply emotional but necessary to create his own political space. Mushtaq clarified that he harbors no personal conflict with party leaders, including JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman. He announced plans to launch a mass movement, forming 100,000 “Palestine Committees” across Pakistan to unite citizens for Palestinian justice. Criticizing delayed global action on Gaza, he hailed Hamas’s steadfast struggle as key to current developments.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants against 30 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on charges of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League’s 15-year rule. Among the accused are 14 active and 10 retired army officers, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, ex-Police Chief Benazir Ahmed, and two former RAB directors. The tribunal has ordered authorities to arrest and present all accused before the court by October 22. Legal experts note that such a large number of military officers being charged simultaneously in criminal and war crimes cases is unprecedented in Bangladesh. The interim government recently amended the tribunal law, barring government officials from retaining their posts once formally charged. Lawyers say military officers may face either military or civilian trials depending on the nature of their alleged offenses.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly removed all limitations on the country’s missile program, according to senior parliamentary sources. Previously, missile ranges were capped at 2,200 kilometers, but the new decision allows Tehran to expand its missile capabilities without restrictions. Analysts suggest this move indicates a significant shift in Iran’s defense posture, particularly after last June’s regional conflict, reflecting Tehran’s intent to adopt a stronger military stance. Ahmed Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the parliamentary National Security Committee, emphasized that missile development remains a key component of Iran’s security strategy, and decisions will be made based on national defense needs rather than foreign pressure. The announcement comes shortly after Iran accused Israel of spreading false claims about its intercontinental ballistic missile ambitions. The move could escalate tensions in the Middle East and influence global security dynamics.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has issued a warning about China’s growing military activities around the island, highlighting concerns over a possible sudden attack. Since 2022, Beijing has conducted at least six large-scale military exercises near Taiwan while developing new weapons and employing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to target Taiwan’s cybersecurity. China is reportedly using “hybrid warfare” strategies to undermine public trust in Taiwan’s government, reduce support for defense spending, and create psychological pressure. Grey-zone tactics, such as coast guard patrols and maritime surveillance, are also being employed to maintain persistent pressure without direct confrontation. The report emphasizes that China may transform routine exercises into actual combat operations, potentially catching Taiwan and its allies unprepared. Additionally, civilian cargo ships are being repurposed for military transport, and specialized coastal landing equipment is being developed. China has not commented on the report, while Taiwan insists its future is determined solely by its people.

The Bangladesh Commission on Enforced Disappearances has released a groundbreaking documentary revealing detailed information about individuals who went missing, the methods used in the disappearances, their detention, and the ultimate fate of the victims. The documentary also identifies those directly involved in these actions. According to the commission, the investigation included data collection from police, RAB, intelligence agencies, and other government institutions, alongside continuous research to trace missing persons. The commission has recommended issuing “Disappearance Certificates,” suggested legal amendments, and provided policy advice to law enforcement. The documentary aims not only to document the investigation but also to restore public trust and establish justice. It is available on the commission’s official YouTube channel. Over 300 individuals remain missing, and initiatives are underway to support families in conducting basic financial transactions.

The government has approved a new policy to provide a monthly state allowance to senior journalists aged 65 and above. Under the initiative, eligible journalists will receive 10,000 taka each month as financial support, especially aimed at those facing economic hardship. The policy was finalized during a meeting at the Secretariat, chaired by Md. Kawser Ahmad, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Initially, the allowance will cover senior journalists in divisional and district towns, with plans to expand both coverage and the honorarium amount gradually. The draft policy, prepared by the Journalists’ Welfare Trust, had proposed 15,000 taka, but the ministry finalized it at 10,000 taka. Journalists with at least 25 years of experience can apply once the advisory approval and official gazette notification are issued. The scheme is seen as a recognition of lifelong contributions to journalism and media.

The Bangladesh Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, approved the “Personal Data Protection Ordinance, 2025” during a meeting held on October 9 in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The ordinance aims to ensure confidentiality, security, integrity, and safety in personal data processing, while promoting fairness, interoperability, digital economy growth, and responsible innovation. Special Assistant Foyez Ahmed Tayeb emphasized that the law will maintain international standards in data collection, processing, storage, use, transfer, disclosure, and destruction, playing a crucial role in protecting citizens’ data rights and developing the country’s digital sector. The government also plans to release individuals convicted under the previous Digital Security Act.

The International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against 30 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with two enforced disappearance cases. The warrants have been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and 12 key government and military departments, including the Chief of Army Staff, DG of DGFI, and Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division. Earlier, arrest warrants were issued against 17 people, including Hasina, in one case, and 13 people in another, with formal charges filed the same day. The accused include several senior military officers, some of whom are still in service. According to the Chief Prosecutor, under the amended International Crimes Tribunal law, no individual can remain in office once formal charges are submitted.

At the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district, 11 Pakistani soldiers, including two officers, were killed in a coordinated attack by the banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to Pakistani security officials, the militants had been lying in wait and opened heavy gunfire on a military convoy. Shortly after, a roadside bomb was detonated, destroying a vehicle carrying the officers and targeting another carrying additional soldiers. The soldiers had been returning from an operation in which 19 TTP militants were killed, and the attack is believed to be retaliation for that operation. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences for the slain soldiers and praised the courage of the security forces. The incident underscores ongoing cross-border security challenges and the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region.

The United Nations has announced plans to reduce about 25% of its peacekeeping troops and police across nine global missions in the coming months due to financial shortfalls and uncertainty over U.S. funding. Approximately 13,000–14,000 military and police personnel, along with significant civilian staff, will be affected. The reductions will impact missions in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Kosovo, Cyprus, the Central African Republic, Western Sahara, the Golan Heights, and Abyei. The cuts follow the U.S. canceling nearly $800 million in peacekeeping funds for 2024–2025 and proposals to withhold 2026 funding. Bangladesh, one of the top troop contributors, could face disruptions in its deployments. Experts warn that these reductions could severely undermine the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions, with critics calling the U.S.’s unilateral decisions a major setback for global peace efforts.

Over a thousand Iranians were killed during Israel’s 12-day war in June, with reports claiming German soldiers actively participated in the conflict. According to Tehran Times, Germany, a key Western supporter of Israel, not only provided political backing but also assisted militarily by deploying troops and aiding operations in occupied areas. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly endorsed Israel’s attacks, asserting prior knowledge and framing the actions as self-defense. Despite Israel’s justification that the strikes aimed to prevent Iran’s nuclear program, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no supporting evidence. The deployments were reportedly carried out under secret agreements between German and Israeli commanders, with parliamentary approval unclear. Iranian authorities now possess the names of German soldiers, details of their cooperation, and related documents, complicating Israel’s security and intelligence situation further.

The United Kingdom has announced that Bangladeshi products will continue to enjoy full duty-free access to its market until 2029 under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The announcement was made on October 9 during a meeting at the Secretariat between UK Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton and Bangladesh Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin. Discussions focused on strengthening trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries. Baroness Winterton emphasized that maintaining duty-free access will help Bangladesh sustain export competitiveness as it transitions from a Least Developed Country to a developing country in 2026. She also highlighted the UK’s interest in forming new partnerships in Bangladesh’s infrastructure, green energy, technology, and education sectors. The meeting addressed progress on Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, with the Bangladeshi government aiming for a swift launch. The UK High Commissioner Sarah Cooke and Commerce Ministry officials also attended the meeting.