Shahidul Alam Returns Home After Gaza Ordeal

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam returned home early Saturday  following his release by Israeli authorities after being detained while taking part in a humanitarian mission to Gaza.

A Turkish Airlines flight carrying Shahidul landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 4:55am, marking the end of a tense and emotional chapter that had drawn widespread concern and solidarity from people across Bangladesh and abroad.

Earlier on Friday, Shahidul arrived in Istanbul at around 2:30pm (local time), where he was warmly received by Bangladesh Consul General Mohammad Mizanur Rahman. Following a brief layover, he boarded his connecting flight to Dhaka.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Dhaka, the Drik managing director expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bangladeshi people for their unwavering love and support.

“The love of the Bangladeshi people made this return possible,” Shahidul said, adding that his release was the result of a collective effort.

Reaffirming his long-standing advocacy for justice, he called for continued global solidarity with the people of Palestine.

“Thousands more flotillas like ours must set sail until Palestine is free,” he said. “Gaza is still under attack, and the oppression continues. Until that ends, our work is not done. We must remember that the people of Gaza are not yet free.”

A statement quoting Shahidul was also shared on Drik’s official Facebook page, where he extended thanks to everyone who supported him throughout the ordeal.

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

Shahidul Alam, an internationally acclaimed photographer, writer, and educator, was detained by Israeli forces on Wednesday while participating in the Media Flotilla — a mission aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza and drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis there.

His detention had sparked calls for his immediate release from human rights organisations, journalists, and cultural figures worldwide.

Following his return, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed deep gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his government for their cooperation in securing Shahidul’s release and safe repatriation.

Shahidul, known for his decades-long commitment to human rights, freedom of expression, and justice through visual storytelling, said he intends to continue his advocacy for the oppressed and raise awareness through his work.

His return was greeted with relief and admiration by friends, colleagues, and well-wishers who see his resilience as a symbol of Bangladesh’s enduring voice for global justice and peace.