Staff Reporter :
Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, who was released by Israeli authorities on Friday after joining a Free Palestine campaign, is expected to return in Dhaka on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Shahidul Alam reached Istanbul around 2:30 pm local time, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Friday.
“Bangladesh Consul General in Istanbul Mohammad Mizanur Rahman received Shahidul Alam on his return from Israel by Turkish Airlines flight on Friday,” CA office said.
CA office quoting Turkish sources noted that A flight TK 6921 took off from Israel this afternoon with Shahidul Alam among the passengers and is scheduled to land in Istanbul at around 2:30pm local time.
Although Turkish officials initially avoided giving full confirmation about Shahidul Alam’s release, diplomatic sources now say there is a “strong possibility” he will be transferred from Istanbul to Ankara later today under special arrangements.
Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Turkey’s role in facilitating Alam’s release and safe passage.
“Turkey’s timely cooperation has been crucial,” Yunus said in a brief statement.
In a facebook post, Shahidul Alam thanked Dr Yunus for everything.
“Thank you Dr Yunus for everything! And greatly appreciate your message at UNGA, ‘the two-state solution must be implemented now, through the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with East Jarusalem as its capital,” he said.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Ankara Amanul Haque confirmed ongoing efforts to bring Shahidul Alam to Turkey following his detention by Israeli authorities, which Dhaka has described as unlawful.
Diplomatic missions in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey have been instructed to maintain constant communication with relevant foreign ministries to secure Alam’s freedom.
“Bangladesh embassies have remained in continuous contact with local authorities to ensure Shahidul Alam’s release,” Ambassador Haque said late last night.
Earlier on Friday, the Bangladesh government has launched diplomatic efforts, with assistance from Turkey, to secure the release of renowned Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam, who has been detained by Israeli forces.
The information was shared Friday morning in a post on the verified Facebook page of the Chief Adviser of the interim government.
According to the statement, following Shahidul Alam’s “illegal detention” by Israeli authorities, Bangladesh instructed its embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey to immediately engage with the foreign ministries of those countries.
The embassies have been asked to take urgent steps and maintain constant communication with local authorities regarding Alam’s release.
Shahidul Alam, managing director of Drik, was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a mission sailing to Gaza to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and demand an end to the assault on Palestinians.
The flotilla included nine vessels carrying politicians, journalists, doctors, and human rights activists from various countries.
The initiative also included boats from the movement “Thousand Madlines to Gaza.”
On Wednesday, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters and detained all activists and crew members on board, including Shahidul Alam. Diplomatic efforts are now underway to bring him home safely.
Meanwhile, according to Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), at least 456 captives were released so far while six are still in captivity.
GSF has urged governments to secure the safety of all who have been kidnapped.
