The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the detention of Bangladeshi photographer, human rights activist, and writer Shahidul Alam by Israeli forces.
On Wednesday, Israeli occupation forces seized several vessels from the Gaza-bound international flotilla of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, including the ship “Conscience.” Among those detained were Alam, along with 93 journalists, doctors, and human rights defenders.
This incident has sparked significant alarm, as it occurred while the Freedom Flotilla was en route to Gaza, aiming to break the Israeli blockade and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid, read a press release.
Shahidul Alam’s participation in the flotilla was an act of solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people, symbolising the unwavering support of the Bangladeshi people for the cause of Palestine.
The SAD highlighted that the Israeli forces have been carrying out indiscriminate attacks in Gaza for years, killing thousands, including women and children.
In the last two years alone, over 67,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, with the people there remaining deprived of essential resources such as food, water, and medical care.
The organisation emphasised that according to international human rights law and the Geneva Conventions, there is no legal justification for obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to war-torn regions.
Therefore, the seizure of the flotilla by Israeli forces is a blatant violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.
In response to the detention, SAD is urging the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organisations to take immediate and effective action against the aggression of Israeli forces.
The organisation also called for the safe release of all detained journalists, doctors, and human rights defenders. Furthermore, the SAD has appealed to the Government of Bangladesh to take urgent diplomatic measures to ensure the immediate release and safe return of Shahidul Alam.
The organisation reiterated its firm solidarity with the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people for liberation and their fight against Israeli occupation.
