Efforts are under way to secure the release of Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam, who is reportedly being held in an Israeli prison, with assistance from Turkey, according to a Facebook post shared by the Chief Adviser鈥檚 Press Wing on Friday.
The post quoted Bangladesh鈥檚 Ambassador to Turkey, Amanul Haque, as saying that Turkish authorities have expressed hope that Shahidul Alam may be flown to Ankara on a special aircraft later on Friday, though they have not yet provided full assurance.
Ambassador Amanul Haque informed the relevant authorities about the development on Thursday night, the post added.
Following Shahidul鈥� s illegal detention by Israeli authorities, Bangladesh embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey have been instructed to work with local foreign ministries for his immediate release and remain in constant contact with relevant authorities.
In a video message circulating on social media on Wednesday, renowned photographer Shahidul claimed that he has been 鈥榢idnapped by the Occupation Forces of Israel鈥� while travelling by sea in their flotilla heading towards Gaza.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international network of pro-Palestinian activist groups that organised civilian maritime missions, said that the Israeli forces attacked its convoy of aid boats and seized several vessels en route to Gaza.
According to the FFC, Israeli forces first targeted The Conscience 鈥� a vessel carrying 93 journalists, doctors, and activists before intercepting three smaller boats on Wednesday.
Israel and Hamas on Thursday made a ceasefire deal through the intervention of US President Donald Trump, who credited Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for their initiatives to end the prolonged war between Israel and Hamas.
