Staff Reporter :
Renowned photographer and Drik Managing Director Shahidul Alam will on Sunday leave via Italy to join the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s media flotilla, which is carrying journalists and activists to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and resist the continuing media blackout there.
Speaking at a press conference organised by Dhaka-based independent media organisation Drik at DrikPath Bhaban, Panthapath, on Friday, Shahidul declared:
“Genocide is unfolding before our eyes. Israel, backed by America, is slaughtering Palestinians in Gaza. Many Western governments are complicit in this crime.
Yet across the world, countless people are raising their voices in protest. Standing in solidarity with them, I will board the media flotilla tomorrow.”
Shahidul emphasised that although he is the first Bangladeshi to take part, he carries with him the collective love and solidarity of the Bangladeshi people.
“This is not a struggle of a few individuals. If we fail in this fight, humanity itself will lose. To my knowledge, no Bangladeshi has ever joined a flotilla before. This may be the first.”
Answering reporters’ questions, he explained that participants from at least 44 countries have already been confirmed, and with Bangladesh’s inclusion, the number rises to 45.
The media flotilla-also called the Global Sumud Flotilla-will comprise a large ship along with around 10 smaller vessels.
Sumud in Arabic signifies steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience, and the initiative is also known as the Global Freedom Flotilla.
Ahead of the briefing, Drik issued a statement noting that Gaza has remained under siege since 2007, with Palestinians facing indiscriminate killings and a famine imposed by Israel.
Shahidul reminded journalists that Drik has long stood in solidarity with Palestine, organising exhibitions, film screenings, and other initiatives to support the Palestinian struggle for independence.
Writer and anthropologist Rehnuma Ahmed, Director of Drik, closed the press event saying:
“Bangladesh’s presence in the flotilla makes us proud-just as we are proud of the seal on our passports: All countries of the world except Israel.”
About the Freedom Flotilla Coalition:
Formed by civil society organisations worldwide, the coalition has launched multiple missions to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza, often carrying humanitarian supplies and international volunteers.
Its vessels have repeatedly faced interception and assault by Israeli forces in international waters.
On 31 August, nearly 500 activists from across the globe set sail for Gaza with relief supplies under the Global Sumud Flotilla. The fleet was attacked twice by Israel and is now anchored in Greek waters.
The upcoming media flotilla’s goal is to break the wall of silence-to ensure the voices of Gaza’s besieged population reach the world.
