'Our hearts are with him': Political parties, netizens condemn Shahidul Alam's detention, demand immediate release
They urged the government to take urgent diplomatic measures to ensure the immediate release and safe return of Shahidul Alam
Political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, and other public figures, have strongly condemned the detention of renowned photojournalist Shahidul Alam by Israeli forces, calling for his immediate release.
The condemnation comes amid growing concern over the treatment of journalists and activists detained from the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza.
The Gaza aid flotilla vessel Conscience, carrying many including Shahidul, was intercepted by Israeli forces this morning (8 October).
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The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said today that the Israeli military had attacked and intercepted its convoy of boats en route to Gaza, including The Conscience – a vessel carrying 93 journalists, doctors and activists, among them Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam.
Following the detention, condemnations poured in with calls government action for Shahidul Alam's immediate release.
In a Facebook post this afternoon (8 October), Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said, "Our hearts and prayers are with Shahidul Alam, the world-renowned photographer and human rights activist."
Demanding immediate release of Shahidul and all others from the flotilla, Shafiqul Alam said, "Shahidul stands as a shining embodiment of the unyielding spirit of Bangladesh. May Allah protect and keep Shahidul and the rest of the team safe."
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure the safe return of Shahidul Alam.
"Free Shahidul Alam," Fakhrul wrote on his verified Facebook page today.
Speaking at a meeting in the capital this afternoon, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed also expressed concern over the detention of Shahidul Alam.
"Shahidul Alam was taking relief goods to Gaza for helpless Palestinians risking his own life. Even at the moment of detention, he demanded the independence of Palestine. Bangladeshis are heroes. Shahidul Alam is a brave hero," he said.
In a statement today, Jamaat-e Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the Israel's actions, calling it 'inhuman and against international law'.
He demanded immediate international pressure be placed on Israel to ensure that the aid-carrying ships can safely reach their destination to save the lives of the residents of Gaza.
In a separate statement, the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) said 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 platform also appealed to the Government of Bangladesh to take urgent diplomatic measures to ensure the immediate release and safe return of Shahidul Alam.
Meanwhile, Rahnuma Ahmed, partner of Shahidul Alam, expressed her feelings following the detention of the Bangladeshi photojournalist.
"My feelings for Shahidul – of love and comradeship, of pride and fury, of shared anger and resistance – are echoed by so many at home and abroad, that I have never ever felt alone. Neither does he, I know. No one in Conscience was armed, they were only media & medics & crew carrying messages of love & solidarity for the suffering Palestinians," media organisation Drik quoted Rahnuma in a Facebook post today.
The Drik Picture Library is founded by Shahidul Alam and Rahnuma Ahmed.
"Israel knows that all too well. The Conscience was intercepted and all on board were abducted because Israel wants to continue the siege on Gaza, an integral part of their genocide. Humanity resides in Gaza. To retrieve our humanity, the world must reach its shores. Palestine must be freed," reads the post.
In a pre-recorded video released on his Facebook profile at 10:17am today, Shahidul Alam sais, "If you are seeing this video, we have been intercepted at sea, and I have been kidnapped by the occupation forces of Israel."
"I appeal to all my comrades and friends to continue fighting for the freedom of Palestine," adds Shahidul.
