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.

In a major operation supervised by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court of Dhaka, narcotics valued at Tk 135 crore were destroyed on Tuesday, October 7. The destroyed items included 8 kilograms and 550 grams of cocaine, 144,500 yaba tablets, over 50 bottles of foreign liquor, and half a kilogram of cannabis. The destruction took place within the court premises under the supervision of Metropolitan Magistrate Saifuzzaman, following a special disposal procedure ordered by the court. Metropolitan Magistrate Minhajur Rahman, investigation officers from different police stations, and members of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Narcotics Control Division were present during the event. Court officials said the drugs had been confiscated from various parts of Dhaka over time. After the completion of legal proceedings in the related cases, the court issued the order to destroy the seized narcotics, marking a strong stand against illegal drug trade in the capital.

Former Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam said Islamic politics is aimed at justice and public welfare, not the pursuit of power. Speaking at a campaign rally organized by Kursha Union Jamaat at Dangar Bazar in Taraganj upazila on Tuesday, he urged voters to support him under the “scale” election symbol in the upcoming national polls. Azhar claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had falsely implicated him in crimes against humanity, but he was later cleared of the charges by divine grace. Calling himself an orphan and elderly, he appealed for public support, assuring that he would not betray their trust if elected. The event was chaired by upazila Jamaat Ameer SM Alamgir Hossain, with participation from local Jamaat leaders and activists.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal has expelled two of its senior leaders from Chattogram for alleged involvement in violence and actions deemed contrary to the organization’s principles. The expelled leaders are Mokammel Haque Talukder, Vice President of Chattogram South District Jubo Dal, and Rokon Uddin Member, Joint General Secretary of Chattogram North District Jubo Dal. A press release signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan, Assistant Office Secretary of the central committee, confirmed the decision late Monday night. Rokon Uddin was named as the prime suspect in a case filed after an armed attack in Sitakunda’s Alinagar area, which left one person dead and 14 injured. Mokammel Haque was removed for allegedly engaging in activities damaging the party’s reputation. Central leaders Abdul Monayem Munna and Nurul Islam Noyon approved the expulsion, instructing members not to maintain any organizational connection with the dismissed leaders.

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.