Renowned photographer Shahidul Alam has returned home to Bangladesh after being released from an Israeli prison. He arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Saturday morning around 4:45 a.m.

Upon arrival, Shahidul Alam said, “It is the love and prayers of the people of Bangladesh that made my return possible. But we must remember, the people of Gaza are still not free. They continue to suffer under oppression. Our work is not over yet.” His remarks were shared on the official Facebook page of Drik, the media organization he leads.

He expressed gratitude to the governments of Bangladesh and Türkiye for their efforts in securing his release, saying, “We need thousands more flotillas like ours until Palestine gains its freedom.”

Shahidul Alam affirmed that the struggle for a free Palestine will continue.

At the airport, he was welcomed by his wife and human rights activist Rahnuma Ahmed, National Museum Director General Tanzim Ibne Wahab, and photographers including researcher Munem Wasif, among others.

Photos of his return were posted on Drik’s Facebook page around 7:00 a.m. Drik’s Innovation Manager, Rahat Karim, also confirmed the news.

On Friday, after being freed from Israeli custody, Shahidul Alam traveled from Israel to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines, where he was received by Bangladesh’s Consul General, Md. Mizanur Rahman.

Shahidul Alam, the managing director of the independent media organization Drik, is known for his activism and advocacy for civil rights. He was detained by Israeli forces on Wednesday while participating in a flotilla headed toward Gaza.

The flotilla, organized by the international platform Freedom Flotilla Coalition, set sail to protest Israel’s blockade of Gaza and to demand an end to its ongoing aggression. It consisted of nine boats carrying politicians, journalists, doctors, and human rights activists from various countries, including Shahidul Alam.

Israeli forces intercepted the convoy and detained all activists and crew members. Alam and several others were later taken to Israel’s Ketziot Prison.

Bangladesh’s interim government had been conducting diplomatic efforts through Jordan, Egypt, and Türkiye to secure his release.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for Türkiye’s role in helping secure Shahidul Alam’s release and safe return home.