Shahidul Alam, a renowned Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and human rights activist, was arrested by Israeli forces while heading to Gaza. On September 30, 2025, he boarded the Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience from Otranto, Italy, along with more than 90 journalists, doctors, and activists. Their mission was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s naval blockade.
On October 8, 2025, while sailing in international waters about 220 kilometers off the Gaza coast, Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla. Shahidul Alam shared a prerecorded video on his Facebook page saying, “If you are seeing this video, we have been intercepted at sea, and I have been kidnapped by the occupation forces of Israel.” Communication with him went silent soon after.
His organization Drik confirmed that all passengers were unarmed civilians, including journalists, medics, and human rights defenders, and called the arrest a gross violation of international law. Israel’s foreign ministry later said the passengers would be taken to an Israeli port and deported.
In Bangladesh, political leaders, rights groups, and journalists have condemned Shahidul Alam’s arrest, demanding his immediate release. The Chief Adviser’s press secretary and civil society groups have called for accountability and respect for press freedom and humanitarian law.
As of now, Shahidul Alam and other flotilla participants remain in Israeli custody, with their exact location and condition unknown.
Source: New Age, bdnews24.com, Dhaka Tribune, TBS News, BSS News
