Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and Drik Managing Director Shahidul Alam has been detained by Israeli forces from the ship Conscience, which was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission to Gaza. In a video posted on Facebook Wednesday morning, Shahidul said that their vessel was intercepted at sea and he had been “kidnapped” by Israeli occupation forces. He urged global solidarity with the Palestinian struggle against genocide and oppression. The Times of Israel reported that the flotilla, consisting of nine vessels carrying over 100 activists, attempted to break through the Gaza naval blockade but was intercepted by the Israeli navy. Israeli authorities confirmed that all ships and passengers were safely taken to an Israeli port and would soon be deported. The flotilla had departed from Italy about two weeks ago, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and draw attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Gold prices have reached an all-time high, crossing the $4,000 per ounce mark for the first time as investors seek safety amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. On Wednesday, spot gold rose 0.7% to $4,011.18 per ounce, while U.S. December gold futures climbed to $4,033.40. The metal has gained about 52% so far in 2025, compared with 27% in 2024. Analysts attribute the rally to expectations of lower U.S. interest rates, a weak dollar, central bank gold purchases, and growing investment in exchange-traded funds. Independent metals analyst Tai Wong said the market is showing strong confidence, with $5,000 now seen as the next target. Political instability in France and Japan, coupled with the U.S. government shutdown, has further fueled demand for gold. Other precious metals also rose, with silver, platinum, and palladium showing significant gains.

In a special late-night operation on October 7, the army arrested the notorious teenage gang leader known as “Don Sagor” from the Hazaribagh area of Dhaka. Acting on secret intelligence, a patrol team from the Kamrangirchar Army Camp conducted the raid and captured Sagor red-handed. Sagor, 20, had long controlled several teenage gangs across Hazaribagh, Jigatola, Gojmohol, and Beribadh, allegedly involved in extortion, mugging, drug trading, and violent assaults. Earlier that day, Sagor and his associates brutally attacked a youth named Nayan, leaving him seriously injured with 13 stitches. During the arrest, the army recovered two sharp Chinese machetes, two mobile phones, cash, and a wristwatch. Following interrogation, Sagor was handed over to Hazaribagh Police Station, where a case has been filed. Locals expressed relief, saying his capture ended years of fear and unrest in the community.

A fatal road accident in Raozan, Chattogram, claimed the life of Hefazat-e-Islam leader Maulana Sohel Chowdhury (50), sparking widespread protests and highway blockades. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a bus hit Sohel’s motorcycle from behind near Nabin Sen Government Primary School, causing fatal injuries. Locals rushed him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Following the incident, Hefazat activists began protesting, alleging that the death was a planned assassination. From Wednesday morning, they blocked the Chattogram–Khagrachhari and Chattogram–Rangamati highways, halting traffic and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Police officials, including Additional Superintendent Kazi Md. Tarek Aziz, confirmed that negotiations were ongoing to restore order. Hefazat’s central youth affairs secretary, Mufti Kamrul Islam, accused the ruling party of involvement and announced a day-long blockade in Chattogram North district to demand justice.

Despite a government ban on catching, selling, and storing Hilsa from October 4 to 25, large-scale fishing of mother Hilsa continues unabated in the Meghna River at Raipur, Lakshmipur. Over the past four days, hundreds of fishermen have been openly using illegal current nets at various ghats including Charbanshi, Hajimara, and Chandarkhal. The absence of senior and assistant fisheries officers for months, coupled with no Coast Guard patrol, has allowed the illegal activity to flourish. Local traders are also buying and selling the fish openly, citing financial pressure and loans owed to fishermen. Concerned citizens fear a severe depletion of Hilsa stocks if immediate action is not taken, which could lead to long-term food insecurity and unemployment in fishing communities. Fisheries officials admit manpower shortages and promise to bring unregistered fishermen under regulation soon.

A wave of protests erupted in Malaysia as university students gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office demanding the cancellation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit. Organized under the pro-Palestine coalition “Oppose Trump Secretariat,” demonstrators from diverse ethnic backgrounds carried placards reading “Dump Trump,” “No Welcome for War Criminals,” and “Free Palestine.” Beating drums and chanting slogans, they condemned Trump’s policies and Israel’s actions in Gaza. A delegation submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, urging him to revoke Trump’s invitation, cut investment ties with Israel, and reaffirm Malaysia’s traditional support for Palestine. Organizers announced further actions, including a car convoy, flash mobs, and a major rally titled “Dump Trump” on October 26. The controversy has sparked intense debate among Malaysian religious leaders and intellectuals, with many calling Trump’s visit an affront to Malaysia’s moral stance on Palestine.

A new humanitarian flotilla organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) is sailing toward Gaza, carrying vital food, medicine, and supplies for residents suffering under Israel’s 18-year blockade. According to a statement posted on Telegram on October 7, the fleet is currently about 300 kilometers (150 nautical miles) from the Gaza coast in the Mediterranean Sea. The flotilla comprises nine vessels and more than 100 volunteers from various international organizations. This new mission follows the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” launched in August, whose 43 vessels were intercepted by Israeli naval forces near Gaza. Among those participants were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and South African politician Mandla Mandela. Despite the earlier interception and detentions, the FFC remains determined to break the siege and deliver aid directly to Gaza — a mission that, if successful, would mark the first international fleet to reach Gaza’s coast in 18 years.

Dhaka’s air quality has once again deteriorated to an “unhealthy” level, according to global air monitoring agency IQAir. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday (October 8), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 145, ranking fourth among the world’s most polluted cities. Egypt’s Cairo topped the list with a score of 185, followed by Manama in Bahrain (183) and Kolkata in India (177). Although recent rainfall had temporarily improved air conditions in Dhaka, pollution levels have risen again due to ongoing urban and environmental factors. AQI scores between 151 and 200 are considered “unhealthy,” particularly affecting children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around seven million people die globally each year due to air pollution-related diseases, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has assured that the party is committed to fulfilling the demands of private teachers within the country’s financial capacity if it comes to power. Speaking at a teachers’ rally organized at Dhaka’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan on October 7 to mark World Teachers’ Day, Rahman emphasized that teachers are the true role models for students beyond the family sphere. He stated that when teachers struggle for dignity and livelihood, they cannot fully inspire students. The BNP leader announced that the party is working on practical plans to ensure teachers’ financial and social security, aiming to build an education system that empowers teachers with confidence. Thousands of educators from across the nation attended the event, pressing four key demands, including nationalization of jobs and increasing the retirement age to 65. Rahman also urged teachers to take the lead in building an anti-corruption and knowledge-based society.

Sujon, a 22-year-old youth from Brahmanpara upazila in Cumilla, has died 14 days after being severely injured in a teenage gang clash. According to police, Sujon was attacked during a violent confrontation between two rival groups of local teenagers on September 22 near Enamul’s shop in Alua Islamia Alim Madrasa area. Seven others were also injured in the incident. Initially treated at Cumilla Medical College Hospital, Sujon was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s ICU, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday night. The clash reportedly stemmed from a prior verbal dispute between teenagers from Monoharpur and Alua areas. Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Sazedul Islam confirmed Sujon’s death on Tuesday and said that two suspects have already been arrested and sent to jail, while efforts continue to apprehend others involved in the attack.

At least 40 people, including several children, were killed and around 80 injured when Myanmar’s military carried out an airstrike on a Buddhist festival that coincided with an anti-junta protest in Chaung-U, central Myanmar, on Monday evening. Witnesses told AFP that hundreds had gathered for the Thadingyut Full Moon Festival when participants began chanting slogans against the ruling junta. Moments later, a motorized paraglider dropped two bombs on the crowd, causing devastating explosions. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror, with bodies torn apart and rescuers collecting human remains into the next morning. The Myanmar military, which seized power in a 2021 coup, has been battling nationwide resistance from pro-democracy forces allied with ethnic armed groups. Local media confirmed the death toll, though the junta has yet to comment. The attack comes ahead of a controversial national election scheduled for December 28, which critics call a sham to legitimize military rule.

The cross-examination of chief investigation officer Md. Alamgir continues today (October 8) for the third consecutive day in the crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The hearing is taking place before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder. State-appointed defense lawyer Md. Amir Hossain is leading the questioning, challenging Alamgir’s testimony regarding the July–August mass killings. The tribunal adjourned Tuesday’s session after a full day of questioning. Alamgir, the prosecution’s 54th and final witness, has previously presented extensive evidence—video footage, reports, and documents—depicting alleged atrocities across 41 districts during the 2024 protests. The tribunal will move to final arguments and verdict once cross-examinations conclude. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Gazi M.H. Tamim, and others are representing the state. The case includes five formal charges of crimes against humanity.

At least 18 people have died after a bus was crushed by falling rocks during a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, India. The tragic incident occurred near the Ballu Bridge in Bilaspur’s Jhandutta constituency around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7. The bus, carrying around 30 to 35 passengers from Rohtak in Haryana to Ghumarwin in Bilaspur, was completely flattened by large boulders tumbling down the hillside. Rescue teams from the local administration, police, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the site and have so far rescued three survivors. Officials fear the death toll may rise as more passengers remain trapped. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief and directed rescue efforts, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹200,000 compensation for each victim’s family. Continuous rainfall and multiple landslides have severely affected the region’s transport network.

In a significant relief for aspiring Hajj pilgrims, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that expired passports can now be used for Hajj registration. The ministry’s Hajj-1 section issued an official circular on Tuesday, October 7, easing the passport validity requirement to simplify the 2026 Hajj registration process. However, the ministry clarified that pilgrims or Hajj agencies must update the renewed passport details in the system before visa processing begins; otherwise, the visa will not be issued. This decision aims to ensure that no eligible pilgrim faces registration hurdles due to expired passports. According to the Saudi government’s Hajj roadmap, registration for the 2026 Hajj will officially close on October 12, 2025. The move has been widely welcomed by Hajj agencies and prospective pilgrims across the country for reducing bureaucratic complications and time constraints in completing registration formalities.

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Army General Ruffin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister after dissolving the previous government amid intensifying nationwide protests. The demonstrations, now entering their third week, were triggered by widespread electricity outages and water shortages that have crippled daily life across the island nation. Protesters, led by the youth movement “Gen Z Madagascar,” are demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, chanting slogans like “Rajoelina Out” and “We are poor, angry, and unhappy.” Violence has escalated, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets, looting reported in several cities, and a night curfew imposed in the capital Antananarivo. President Rajoelina said the new prime minister’s main task is to restore law and order and rebuild public trust. Analysts say the unrest reflects a broader generational discontent seen in other African nations facing similar crises.