Photographer-activist Shahidul Alam, the only Bangladeshi aboard the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla, said their mission is not to risk lives but to challenge what he termed “an illegal blockade” and stand in solidarity with journalists and health workers under attack.
“We are not here for martyrdom. We are doing what responsible journalists and medical workers must do for people under siege,” he told The Daily Star in an exclusive video interview from the vessel Conscience, the main boat of the Media Flotilla.
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“Our goal is to question this blockade and ensure the truth reaches the world,” Shahidul added.
The flotilla, organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), comprises a large boat and 10 smaller vessels carrying journalists, medical professionals, and humanitarian workers. It was about 370 nautical miles from Gaza yesterday morning.
“Had we maintained full speed, we would have reached Gaza by Sunday. But some of the smaller ships are slower, and we didn’t want to leave them behind. It was a difficult decision, but we chose to travel together.”
He said, “The delay doesn’t matter. What matters is when we enter the danger zone, around 200 nautical miles away, the point from where Israel usually begins its attacks. That moment will determine everything.”
Shahidul said the flotilla expects Israeli obstruction well before reaching Gaza, though it remains uncertain how and when that might occur. “They have no jurisdiction in international waters, but we are fully prepared for any situation.”
“Everyone on board has been thoroughly vetted. We know their backgrounds and track records. Only those with clear profiles and professional credentials were selected.”
He said the flotilla has a strong legal backing, with experienced lawyers from Palestine and around the world providing continuous support. “We are in constant contact with them. Just before speaking to you, we had a discussion with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) about cyber-security, what to do if detained, how to handle our devices, and how to protect information. We’ve made detailed contingency plans.”
Food supplies are adequate, he confirmed, and arrangements have been made so the group will not put any additional burden on Gaza’s people.
Shahidul said most of those aboard are journalists and health workers — “the two groups that Israel has deliberately targeted, killed, and continues to attack.”
“Our purpose is to stand by our fellow professionals, to support them so they can continue their work, and to make sure the world receives accurate information from Gaza,” he said.
Speaking about conditions at sea, he said the waters were calm at the time of the interview, though the flotilla had earlier faced severe storms. “We managed to get through it, but it was much tougher for the smaller boats.”
Expressing deep gratitude for the support from Bangladesh, Shahidul said, “The emotional comments, the solidarity, it shows that our people are with us. Those who truly believe in freedom always resist injustice.”
Referring to Bangladesh’s history, Shahidul Alam said, “We fought in 1971 and again in 2024. We know how to stand up to autocracy. If given the chance, Bangladeshis would join this fight too.”
Yesterday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus lauded Shahidul and voiced support for his cause.
“We are closely monitoring the status and safety of those participating in the historic flotilla for Gaza, especially world-renowned photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam,” said his press wing in a statement tonight.
“Shahidul has approached this mission with the same courage, resolve and unwavering spirit he showed when he endured 107 days in prison in 2018 for speaking out against injustice under the Hasina government,” it said.
He stands today as a shining embodiment of the unyielding spirit of Bangladesh, read the statement.
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman also praised the renowned photographer and rights activist for joining the Gaza flotilla, calling his move a symbol of Bangladesh’s stand against oppression and injustice.
“By carrying Bangladesh’s flag, he reminds the world of what the people of Bangladesh stand for — never bowing down to oppression and injustice,” Tarique wrote in a post on Facebook early yesterday.
He described Shahidul’s step as not just an act of solidarity but also a “roar of conscience”.