Shahidul Alam returns home

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam returned home early Saturday (October 11) after being released by Israeli authorities.

A flight of Turkish Airlines carrying Shahidul Alam landed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 4:55AM.

Earlier on Friday, he landed in Istanbul around 2:30PM (local time), where he was received by Bangladesh Consul General Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.

Speaking to reporters on arrival at Dhaka airport, the Drik managing director said the ”love of the Bangladeshi people” had made his return possible, while calling for continued efforts to free Palestinians from oppression. ”Thousands more flotillas like ours must set sail until Palestine is free.”

”Gaza are still being attacked and the oppression continues. Until that stops, our work isn’t done. We must remember that the people of Gaza are not yet free,”Shahidul Alam said.

”I thank everyone — people across the world, Bangladeshis who responded and prayed, the Bangladesh government and the Turkish government for their help.”

Shahidul Alam was arrested on Wednesday by Israeli forces while participating in the Media Flotilla headed for Gaza.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his government’s assistance in ensuring Alam’s release and safe repatriation.