Eminent photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam. File Photo

DHAKA, Oct 11, 2025 (BSS) - Eminent photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam returned here early today after being released from Israel.

"Shahidul Alam arrived here at 4:45am by a aircraft of the Turkish Airlines . . . Upon arrival, the renowned photographer expressed his gratitude to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus," said a Facebook post of independent media organisation Drik Picture Library Ltd. 

He was warmly received by his family, well-wishers, and officials from Drik and Pathshala at the VIP gate of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as his wife and human rights activist Rehnuma Ahmed, National Museum Director General Tanzim Ibn Wahab, photographer and researcher Munem Wasif were present, among others.

While speaking after his return, Shahidul said, "The love of the people of Bangladesh made it possible for me to come back. But we must remember that the people of Gaza are still not free. They continue to face brutal attacks and persecution. Our work is not over yet."

He expressed gratitude to the governments of Bangladesh and Turkey for providing necessary help secure his return.

He also thanked all Bangladeshis living around the world for their response and prayer for his release and return.
 
"We need a thousand more flotillas like ours until Palestine is free," he mentioned. 

Shahidul added: "I was able to go, many were not able to do. Many have contacted me wanting to go. Thousands more flotillas like ours need to go, until Palestine becomes free. Our struggle will continue until Palestine gets free." 

He arrived in Istanbul, Turkey by a Turkish Airlines flight after his release from Israel on Friday as he was welcomed at Istanbul Airport by Bangladesh Consul General Md Mizanur Rahman.

A global platform called the 'Freedom Flotilla Coalition' started the voyage towards Gaza with the determination to stop Israel's atrocities in Palestine and break the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza.

Politicians, journalists, physicians and human rights activists from different countries joined this fleet. Shahidul Alam was in that group. 
Subsequently, many detainees, including Alam, were taken to Israel's Ketziyet prison. The Bangladesh government had been conducting diplomatic channel to ensure Shahidul Alam's release.

Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his cooperation in Alam's release and return from Israel safely.