Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam has returned to Dhaka following his detention in Israel.
His flight landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 4:55am on Saturday.
Shahidul Alam had departed Israel on Friday around 2:30pm local time aboard a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul.
Upon arrival, he was received by Bangladesh’s Consul General in Istanbul, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.
The activist later boarded a connecting flight to Dhaka at 6:45pm the same day.
Shahidul Alam arrives at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka early Saturday. Photo: CollectedUpon arrival in Dhaka early Saturday morning, he exited the airport through the VIP lounge. Shortly after 5am, he briefly addressed members of the media, sharing his experience of traveling with the Freedom Flotilla headed toward Gaza.
“The people of Gaza are still under attack. The oppression continues. Our work is not done until that ends,” Shahidul Alam stated.
He expressed deep gratitude to those who supported him during his detention. “I want to thank the many people who reached out from around the world, especially the Bangladeshis who prayed, sent love, and showed solidarity. I am truly grateful,” he said.
Shahidul Alam, the managing director of Drik, was welcomed at the airport with flowers by family members and colleagues.
