'Free Shahidul Alam', says Mirza Fakhrul

Bangladeshi photographer and writer Shahidul Alam has been detained by the Israeli navy while aboard a vessel of the “Freedom Flotilla,” which was attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Alam was reportedly taken from the ship Conscience on Wednesday morning local time.

In response, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the detention and called on the Bangladeshi government to take urgent measures to secure Alam’s immediate release and safe return.

Just before his detention, Alam posted a video message on his verified Facebook account, saying: “I am Shahidul Alam, a photographer and writer from Bangladesh. If you are watching this video, it means we have been stopped at sea, and I have been abducted by the occupying Israeli forces.”

In the video, Alam expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and criticized Israel’s actions, stating: “Israel is committing genocide against the people of Gaza, actively aided by the United States and other Western powers. I urge all my colleagues and friends to continue the struggle for Palestine’s independence.”

Mirza Fakhrul reiterated his call for immediate government action in a Facebook post, writing: “Free Shahidul Alam. I urge the government to take steps to ensure his safe return to Bangladesh.” He also called on authorities to exert international pressure to guarantee Alam’s safety.

Israeli media reported that the navy detained all flotilla vessels, including the Conscience. According to the Times of Israel, Tel Aviv said it had stopped a new fleet attempting to breach the Gaza maritime blockade. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that this was “another failed attempt to illegally break the naval blockade and enter a war zone.” Authorities confirmed that all passengers are safe, being held in an Israeli port, and will be repatriated soon.