Rights activist Shahidul Alam arrives in Istanbul after release from Israeli custody

The Chief Advisor’s Office has shared his photo holding the Bangladesh flag in Istanbul

Prominent Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam has arrived in Turkey’s Istanbul after being released from Israel.

The Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) said in a statement on Friday evening that Shahidul reached Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight, where he was welcomed by Bangladesh Consul General Muhammad Mizanur Rahman.

It also released photos and a video showing Shahidul holding Bangladesh’s national flag in Istanbul and shouting slogans in support of Palestinian freedom.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support in securing Shahidul’s release and facilitating his safe transfer from Israel.

Shahidul had been on board a ship named “Conscience”, which was part of the Freedom Flotilla bound for Gaza.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces seized the vessels and detained those on board, including journalists and rights activists.

Shahidul and others were taken to an Israeli prison. The Bangladesh government condemned the action in strong terms.

Following his detention, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry began engaging with its embassies in Jordan, Egypt and Turkey.

With support from the Turkish government, Shahidul was eventually freed and allowed to leave Israel.