Efforts are underway, with Turkey’s assistance, to secure the release of journalist Shahidul Alam, who is being held in an Israeli prison, the Chief Adviser’s Office said in a statement issued Friday morning.

Turkish authorities have expressed hope that he could be flown to Ankara on a special aircraft as early as today, although they have not given full assurance on the matter. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Ankara, Amanul Haque, confirmed the development late last night.

Following Shahidul Alam’s unlawful detention by Israeli authorities, Bangladesh embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey were instructed to engage with the respective foreign ministries of those countries to expedite his release.

The embassies have been maintaining constant communication with the local authorities regarding Shahidul Alam’s release, officials said.