Bangladesh Seeks Help for Detained Activist

Bangladesh has asked for support from a supportive nation in the Middle East to secure the freedom of Shahidul Alam, a well-known photographer and activist who was captured by Israeli forces during the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. An official disclosed to The Daily Star that the identity of the assisting country was not disclosed but the request for aid in releasing Shahidul Alam was made. Shahidul Alam, who is also the managing director of Drik, confirmed his detention via a video message on his verified Facebook account. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza have jointly called for the immediate release of Shahidul Alam and 91 other media and medical professionals who were detained aboard the Conscience.