Dhaka: Eminent photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam returned here early today after being released from Israel. Shahidul Alam arrived at 4:45am on a Turkish Airlines aircraft. Upon arrival, the photographer expressed his gratitude to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, as noted in a Facebook post by independent media organisation Drik Picture Library Ltd.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Alam was warmly received by his family, well-wishers, and officials from Drik and Pathshala at the VIP gate of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. His wife, human rights activist Rehnuma Ahmed, National Museum Director General Tanzim Ibn Wahab, photographer and researcher Munem Wasif were present, among others.
While speaking after his return, Alam highlighted the significance of public support, stating, "The love of the people of Bangladesh made it possible for me to come back. But we must remember that the people of Gaza are still not free. They continue to face brutal attacks and persecution. Our work is not over yet." He expressed gratitude to the governments of Bangladesh and Turkey for their assistance in securing his return.
Alam also thanked Bangladeshis worldwide for their response and prayers for his release and return. He emphasized the need for continued efforts, saying, "We need a thousand more flotillas like ours until Palestine is free."
He arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, by a Turkish Airlines flight following his release from Israel, where he was welcomed at Istanbul Airport by Bangladesh Consul General Md Mizanur Rahman. A global platform called the 'Freedom Flotilla Coalition' initiated the voyage towards Gaza, aiming to halt Israel's actions in Palestine and break the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza. Politicians, journalists, physicians, and human rights activists from different countries joined this fleet, and Shahidul Alam was among them.
Subsequently, many detainees, including Alam, were taken to Israel's Ketziyet prison. The Bangladesh government had been using diplomatic channels to ensure Shahidul Alam's release. Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his cooperation in Alam's release and safe return from Israel.