October 9, 2025
DHAKA – Bangladesh has sought the assistance of a friendly Middle Eastern country to secure the release of renowned photographer and activist Shahidul Alam, who was detained by Israeli forces after they intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla today.
“We are not making the name public. We have requested the friendly country to help in the process of the release of Shahidul Alam,” a government official told The Daily Star last night.
Shahidul, also the managing director of Drik, confirmed his detention in a video message posted on his verified Facebook page.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza have demanded the immediate release of Shahidul and 91 other detained media and medical professionals on board the Conscience.