Shahidul Alam Returns Home Following Release From Israel

Photographer and Human Rights Activist Shahidul Alam Returns to Bangladesh After Release by Israel

Photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam has returned to Bangladesh following his release by Israeli authorities after being detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on October 8.

He arrived in Dhaka early Saturday morning from Istanbul, after the Turkish government intervened to secure his release, according to bdnews24.com.

“Thousands more flotillas like ours must set sail until Palestine is free,” Shahidul said upon landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

‘Work Not Done Yet’

Speaking to reporters, the Drik managing director said the “love of the Bangladeshi people” had made his return possible, while calling for continued efforts to end the oppression of Palestinians.

“We must remember that the people of Gaza are not yet free. They are still under attack and facing oppression. Until that stops, our work isn't done,” he emphasized.

“I thank everyone — people across the world, Bangladeshis who responded and prayed, and the governments of Bangladesh and Turkey for their support.”

Shahidul had been aboard the vessel Conscience, part of the Freedom Flotilla, when Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound fleet in international waters on October 8. He and other activists and journalists were taken into custody, drawing strong condemnation from the Bangladesh government.

The foreign ministry, through embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey, led diplomatic efforts for his release. The chief adviser’s office later said Turkey’s cooperation made his return possible.

Reflecting on the movement for a free Palestine, Shahidul said, “I was able to go — many could not. Many people who wanted to go contacted me. Thousands more flotillas like ours must go until Palestine is free. Until Palestine is liberated, our struggle will continue.”

He also described feeling humiliated when Israeli soldiers threw his Bangladeshi passport on the ground. “I felt most insulted when they became angrier upon seeing my Bangladeshi passport and threw it on the ground. We must seek justice for this. A country’s passport cannot be thrown on the ground, and its people humiliated like that — that cannot be accepted.”

Recalling the harsh treatment during detention, he said, “We were subjected to ill-treatment and endured a hard time. But that is nothing compared with the suffering of the people of Gaza. Until the people of Gaza are free, our work isn't over.”