Renowned Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and managing director of Drik, Shahidul Alam, has reportedly been abducted by Israeli forces while participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition heading toward Gaza.
On Wednesday (October 8), Shahidul Alam confirmed the incident himself through a video message posted on his verified Facebook page.
In the video, he said:
“I am Shahidul Alam, a photographer and writer from Bangladesh. If you are watching this video, it means we have already been detained at sea. I have been abducted by the occupying Israeli forces, who, with the active support and cooperation of the United States and other Western powers, are committing genocide in Gaza. I urge all my comrades and friends to continue the struggle for the freedom of Palestine.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Shahidul had posted that their flotilla was nearing the “Red Zone”—the high-risk area where Israeli forces recently intercepted the Sumud Flotilla, detaining several activists.
In that post, he wrote that their group was slightly delayed to ensure smaller and slower boats from the Thousand Madelines fleet—also part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition—could keep pace with them. He mentioned they were about 70 nautical miles away from the Red Zone and moving cautiously due to rough weather and high winds that had temporarily stalled some vessels.
As of this report, there has been no official confirmation or response from Israeli authorities regarding Shahidul Alam’s whereabouts or the status of the detained flotilla members.
The alleged abduction has sparked international concern, drawing renewed attention to the ongoing blockade of Gaza and the risks faced by global activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid.
Shahidul Alam is a globally respected Bangladeshi photographer and human rights advocate. His detention—if confirmed—adds to growing criticism of Israel’s actions against humanitarian missions in international waters.