Turkey working to fly Shahidul Alam from Israeli prison to Ankara by special aircraft
Ambassador Amanul Haque, however, noted that Turkish authorities “could not provide a hundred percent assurance” regarding the release
Turkish authorities are working to bring Bangladeshi photojournalist Shahidul Alam to Ankara by a special aircraft, with hopes that the transfer could take place "as early as today," Bangladesh's Ambassador to Turkey Amanul Haque said last night (9 October).
The development comes as efforts intensify to secure Alam's release from Israeli prison, where he has been held since being reportedly detained illegally.
According to a statement from the CA Press Wing this morning (10 October), Bangladesh has sought Turkey's assistance in facilitating Alam's release. The statement added that embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey have been instructed to contact local foreign ministries and take swift action to bring him home.
Ambassador Amanul Haque, however, noted that Turkish authorities "could not provide a hundred percent assurance" regarding the release.
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The Press Wing further said that the embassies concerned are maintaining "constant communication with local authorities" to ensure Shahidul Alam's safety and return.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international network of pro-Palestinian activist groups, organises civilian maritime missions aimed at breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza to deliver vital humanitarian aid.
The ships carried over $110,000 worth of medical supplies, respiratory equipment and nutrition intended for hospitals struggling in Gaza, the coalition said.
However, the Israeli defense force intercepted the boats and detained those aboard.
The Guardian reported on 8 October that a new flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza was also intercepted by the Israeli military.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Israeli military was disrupting signals as it boarded at least two boats. They stated on Instagram, "The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters. Our flotilla poses no harm."
Organisers reported on X that three vessels, Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar and Anas Al-Sharif, were attacked and unlawfully intercepted by the Israeli military early in the morning, approximately 220km off Gaza's coast.
They noted that another ship, the Conscience, was also "under attack." Shahidul Alam was on this ship.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the raid on X, saying the flotilla's attempt to breach what it described as a "legal naval blockade" had failed.
"The vessels and the passengers have been transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly," it added.
