Bangladesh is making diplomatic efforts with Turkey’s assistance to secure the release of renowned Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam, who was detained by Israeli forces from a Gaza-bound flotilla. Turkish authorities have expressed hope that he may be flown to Ankara today (Friday) on a special aircraft, although they could not provide full assurance.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Ankara, Amanul Haque, confirmed the development last night. The information was later shared on the verified Facebook page of the Chief Adviser of the interim government on Friday morning.
According to the ambassador, following Shahidul Alam’s unlawful detention by Israeli authorities, the Bangladesh government immediately launched diplomatic initiatives. The country’s embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey were instructed to contact the respective foreign ministries to facilitate his prompt release. These embassies are maintaining continuous communication with local authorities regarding the matter.
Notably, Shahidul Alam, Managing Director of Drik, was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which set sail toward Gaza to protest Israeli atrocities in Palestine and to break the Israeli naval blockade. Another campaign, “Thousand Madeleines to Gaza,” also joined the mission with eight vessels, forming a fleet of nine ships carrying politicians, journalists, doctors, and human rights activists from various countries.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces attacked the flotilla and detained all activists and crew members, including Bangladesh’s celebrated photographer Shahidul Alam.