Shahidul Alam Released from Israel, En Route to Turkey

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam is heading to Turkey after being released from Israeli custody. The Press Wing of the Chief Advisor’s Office confirmed the information on Friday, October 10.

Citing a Turkish source, the Press Wing stated that Shahidul Alam departed Israel for Turkey on Friday afternoon aboard flight TK-6921. The flight is scheduled to land in Istanbul at 2:30 PM local time.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor, expressed his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support in securing Shahidul Alam’s release and safe passage.

According to a press release issued by the Chief Advisor’s Office, immediately after Shahidul Alam was unlawfully detained by Israeli authorities, Bangladeshi embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey were instructed to take the necessary diplomatic steps. These embassies have since maintained close coordination with the foreign ministries of the respective countries.

Previously, the international aid flotilla named “Global Sumud Flotilla” set sail toward Gaza. When more than 40 vessels attempted to enter Gaza in defiance of the Israeli blockade, Israeli forces intercepted the ships and detained the human rights activists onboard.

Later, on October 1, another flotilla comprising 11 additional ships set out for Gaza. This mission was organized by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madelines to Gaza (TMTG).

Shahidul Alam was on board one of these vessels, the “Conscience”, representing Bangladesh as the Managing Director of Drik Gallery. He was accompanied by journalists, doctors, and healthcare workers from various countries.