Shahidul Alam to Return Home Tomorrow
Dhaka, Oct 10, 2025: Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, who was released by Israeli authorities on Friday after joining a Free Palestine campaign, is expected to arrive in Dhaka at 4:55 am tomorrow.
Earlier in the day, Shahidul Alam reached Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight around 2:30 pm local time, where he was received by Bangladesh Consul General in Istanbul Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey Md Amanur Rahman said Shahidul Alam’s return flight to Dhaka was scheduled to depart Istanbul at 6:45 pm local time on Friday.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his cooperation in facilitating Shahidul Alam’s release and safe repatriation from Israel.
Following Shahidul Alam’s detention by Israeli authorities, Bangladesh embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey were instructed to engage with the respective foreign ministries and take immediate diplomatic measures to secure his release.
After hearing the 2025 concert version of #Crown, I am genuinely hoping @TXT_bighit releases an acoustic version. The lyrics just hit harder: "are your wings made of the same pain as mine?"...like seriously? Thanks for cleaving my heart open @TXT_members
The only reason I'm writing this at 3am is to chronicle an exceptionally nerdy moment: all day I thought La Mandragola reminded me of the carnivalesque despite being written before the theory. Now I find out it was first performed at a carnival. My nerd radar is on fire today 😂
The recent resignation statement attributed to my mother published in a newspaper is completely false and fabricated. I have just confirmed with her that she did not make any statement either before or since leaving Dhaka
Bangladesh's dictator, Sheikh Hasina, has been flown to the @BD_Air_Force base in Kurmitola at 1425 hours local time. Sources claim that from there, Hasina will travel to a third country. If this information is correct, it would signify the end of Sheikh Hasina's reign of terror in Bangladesh.
UPDATE 4: The private Jamuna TV has said that the army chief is holding talks with political parties and he will now address the nation at 3pm. (Unconfirmed reports that Hasina has already resigned and on her way to airport for safe exit. CAS waiting for the Aircraft to take off before his speech.)
ANALYSIS — Sheikh Hasina, the embattled prime minister of Bangladesh, has only a few options as her authoritarian regime comes under an existential threat from a political revolution. https://t.co/PytPebJIBG
Today, the Chief of Army Staff (CAS) addressed the officers of the Bangladesh Army regarding the ongoing situation. Key points from his speech are as follows:
1. The CAS began by justifying the army's deployment amid the chaos to combat criminal activities and restore normalcy. According to him, the army performed well. He reported that the army fired 1,719 rounds of live ammunition, 14,000 rounds of blank ammunition, and engaged in thirty-one 'hot situations' with violent mobs across various locations in Bangladesh. During these engagements, five civilians were injured. The CAS invited questions from the officers about the legitimacy of his actions.
2. Major Md Ali Haider Bhuyan, psc, challenged the legitimacy of the army's actions during the deployment. The CAS diplomatically addressed the officer's concern but also questioned his demeanor, noting that Major Bhuyan is a practicing Muslim. Major Bhuyan concluded his argument by quoting two verses from the Holy Quran, asking for divine help against oppression and not to be complicit in it. The CAS and other officers responded with "Ameen."
3. Some officers who were deployed shared their success stories, which seemed to be guided and vetted narratives to garner a positive image from other officers.
4. Major Hajera Jahan raised concerns about growing public resentment towards the army, emphasizing the pain of losing children and the need for justice. The CAS agreed with her concerns.
5. An officer from the BMA reported unacceptable activities by some officers from deputations like RAB and BGB, suggesting that they violated rules of engagement. He called for their repatriation and a proper inquiry. The CAS responded that this issue would be addressed after the chaotic period subsides.
6. Lieutenant Colonel Mahbub, Commanding Officer of the 5 Air Defence Regiment responsible for the Uttara area, reported diminishing public support for the army and suggested withdrawing troops. The CAS said he would discuss this with the HPM.
7. An officer from Chittagong suggested that the army should work to regain its image by supporting injured students. The CAS agreed to discuss this with the HPM.
8. Major Noman, responsible for firing at Bosila, Mohammadpur, defended his actions by stating that the mob, which included no students, was attempting to capture Ghono Bhaban. He also mentioned that his wife had commented that he looked cute in his appearance in a viral social media photo while firing at Bosila.
9. In his final remarks, the CAS declared that there would be no further firing by the army. He expressed the burden of social pressure and harassment he was facing and quoted a lyric from Ayub Bachchu, indicating his frustration.
10. In addition, the CAS mentioned that if the transition of power happened in a non-democratic way, then our country might become like Kenya or other African countries. Furthermore, he mentioned that our country had never experienced such mass protests since 1970. So, it's a unique case. We all need to have patience.
The CAS appeared very nervous throughout the session. He concluded the session hurriedly as many officers were in queue to raise their concerns.
This is how the Bangladesh Police shot and killed student protestor Abu Saeed in the Rangpur district of Bangladesh. Saeed was one of the convenors of the anti-quota system. The police literally shot the unarmed young man at point-blank range.
And I'm back with the 3am rambling. Like seriously was that death necessary in the epilogue? No, no it wasn't. I was happy with just a kid honestly. Didn't need a flashforward to 2074. Sometimes there is a thing as too much... 😑
#QueenOfTears#QueenOfTearsEp16
Okay, ngl, that crossing scene made me wary about the inevitable truck of doom. But I still had a jumpscare when it actually did happen. C'mon dramaland! Uncool.
#QueenOfTears#queenoftearsEp15
Egypt has condemned the deadly Israeli air attack on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, calling it “a dangerous violation” of international humanitarian law.
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