Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam has said that the government is “concerned” over the detention by Israeli forces of renowned Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam.
In a post on his Facebook page on Wednesday, the press secretary stated, “We are concerned about Shahidul Alam’s safety, but at the same time, we must keep our focus on the ongoing devastation and genocide in Gaza. This is not only a humanitarian catastrophe but also a moral test for the international community.”
The press secretary began by saying that Israeli forces had seized the flotilla Shahidul Alam was on, adding, “The exceptional courage and resilience Shahidul demonstrated while imprisoned during the Hasina government’s tenure will help him navigate this difficult time once again.”
Shafiqul Alam demanded the immediate release of the renowned photographer and all other passengers on the flotilla, stating, “Shahidul is a shining symbol of Bangladesh’s unwavering humanitarian spirit.”
Our hearts and prayers are with Shahidul Alam, the world-renowned photographer and human rights activist. In a recent…
Posted by Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday 8 October 2025
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had earlier drawn the interim government’s attention to Shahidul’s detention in a Facebook post, writing, “Free Shahidul Alam. I call upon the government to take immediate steps to ensure his safe return to Bangladesh.”
Before his arrest by Israeli forces, Shahidul had revealed in a video message posted on Facebook: “I am Shahidul Alam, a Bangladeshi photographer and writer. We have been attacked at sea, and I have been abducted by the Israeli occupying forces. With the active cooperation and support of the United States and other Western powers, Israel is carrying out a genocide in Gaza.”
In the 25-second video, he further said, “I appeal to all my comrades and friends to continue the fight for the freedom of Palestine.”
The ship Conscience – with 93 journalists, doctors, and activists on board – reached Israel’s “red zone” at dawn on Wednesday, Bangladesh time, where it was intercepted by Israeli forces, with Al Jazeera confirming the seizure of the ship. Subsequently, Israel stopped three other small boats headed to Gazaq.
According to the Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs X account, an “operation” was carried out on the flotilla, writing, “Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly.”
It is worth noting, however, that previously released activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla have alleged that, while they were in custody, they had been subjected to torture, harassment, and severe mistreatment at the hands of the Israeli military.
