Shahidul Alam freed from Israeli custody, arrives in Turkey ahead of return home

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and rights activist Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody and arrived in Istanbul on Friday, October 10, 2025, after being detained two days earlier when Israeli naval forces intercepted a multi-vessel aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

Alam, who was aboard the ship Conscience as part of the Global/Freedom Flotilla effort, was among scores of activists, journalists, and medics held following the seizure.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for facilitating Alam’s release and transfer, while the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing confirmed his flight to Türkiye and arrival in Istanbul, where he was received by Bangladesh’s Consul General Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.

Turkish authorities had been coordinating with Dhaka and other governments as planeloads of deported flotilla participants reached Türkiye in recent days; returning activists have described harsh conditions in Israeli detention.

Bangladeshi media and government statements indicated Alam will transit via Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines routing before returning home, following medical checks and consular formalities. The broader flotilla incident—condemned by Ankara—has intensified diplomatic exchanges over the treatment and status of detainees as additional releases continue.

Sources: Prothom Alo; New Age BD; The Business Standard; Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS); Jago News; bdnews24.com; Daily Sun; Dhaka Tribune; The Daily Star; Anadolu Agency; Reuters.