Bangladesh seeks Turkish help to free Shahidul Alam

Efforts are underway to secure the release of Bangladeshi photographer and journalist Shahidul Alam, who is currently detained in an Israeli prison, with the assistance of the Turkish government, according to the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser’s Office.

In a verified Facebook post from the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government on Friday morning, it was stated that Turkish authorities have expressed hope that Shahidul Alam might be flown to Ankara on a special aircraft later on Friday.

However, the post noted that Turkey has not yet given full assurance regarding the matter. The information was shared by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Ankara, Amanul Haque on late Thursday night.

According to the Press Wing, after Shahidul Alam’s unlawful detention by Israeli authorities, the Bangladeshi embassies in Jordan, Egypt and Turkey were instructed to urgently engage with the respective foreign ministries to pursue his release. The embassies remain in constant contact with local authorities to ensure his safe return.

Shahidul Alam, Managing Director of Drik, was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which embarked on a mission toward Gaza to break the Israeli naval blockade and protest the ongoing atrocities in Palestine.

The flotilla consisted of nine vessels, including eight from another campaign titled “A Thousand Madelines to Gaza”. The group comprised politicians, journalists, doctors and human rights activists from various countries.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces reportedly attacked the flotilla and detained all activists and crew members, including Shahidul Alam.