Tahmid Khan, University of Toronto student, released from detention

University of Toronto student Tahmid Khan has been released from detention in Bangladesh.

The Toronto Star reports Khan was released on bail Sunday and is with his parents. (Read the article in the Star.)

"We are relieved that Tahmid has been released," U of T spokesperson Althea Blackburn-Evans said. "We're looking forward to his return to the university and we will do everything we can to support him when he is ready to resume his studies." 

The 22-year-old was arrested following a hostage-taking at a restaurant in Dhaka. Five gunmen attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant July 1, killing 20 people and holding others hostage. 

The life sciences student, who was set to enter his fourth year of studies at U of T, was in Dhaka visiting family and was in the restaurant at the time of the attack.

In the days following the incident, he and one other hostage were detained by police. Amid conflicting reports about his whereabouts, Khan's family and friends appealed for help. University of Toronto President Meric Gertler wrote a letter to Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion expressing concern for the student’s welfare and confirming that he is a student in good standing who is an active member of the university community. 

In August, authorities said that Khan, who is a permanent resident in Canada and not a Canadian citizen, was being detained for questioning. On Oct. 2, the CBC reported that police said Khan had been acquitted of terrorism charges. (Read the CBC story.)