BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the incident and called on the government to take urgent measures for Shahidul Alam’s immediate release and safe return.
Shortly before his detention, Shahidul Alam himself shared a video message on his verified Facebook account. In the caption, he wrote, “I am Shahidul Alam, a photographer and writer from Bangladesh. If you are seeing this video, you will understand that we have been blocked at sea and I have been detained by the Israeli occupying forces.”
In the video, Alam expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and strongly criticized Israel’s actions. He said, “Israel is committing genocide against the people of Gaza, actively supported by the United States and other Western powers. I urge all my colleagues and friends to continue the struggle for Palestine’s independence.”
In response to Alam’s detention, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir again urged the government to take immediate action. In a post on his verified Facebook page, he wrote: “Free Shahidul Alam. I call on the government to immediately ensure his safe return to Bangladesh.” He also demanded that the government exert international pressure to guarantee Alam’s security.
According to Israeli media, the Israeli Navy has detained all flotilla vessels, including the Conscience, carrying Shahidul Alam. The Times of Israel reported that Tel Aviv stated it had stopped a new flotilla attempting to breach the Gaza sea blockade.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that this was “another failed attempt to break a legally enforced naval blockade and enter a war zone.” The ministry added that the vessels and their passengers are being taken to an Israeli port, all passengers are safe and in good health, and they will be returned to their countries soon.
It has been reported that the flotilla vessels and their passengers are currently in Israeli custody. International human rights organizations have strongly condemned the detention/abduction and renewed calls for lifting the blockade on Gaza.
