Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam arrived in Turkey on Friday afternoon after being released from Israeli custody, according to the Chief Adviser’s Office.

He was received at Istanbul Airport by Bangladesh Consul General Mohammad Mizanur Rahman upon arrival on a Turkish Airlines flight (TK 6921), which landed around 2:30 p.m. local time.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Adviser’s Office confirmed that efforts were underway, with Turkey’s assistance, to secure Shahidul Alam’s release from an Israeli prison. Turkish authorities had expressed optimism about bringing him to Ankara, though final confirmation came only after his departure from Israel.

Following his 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 maintained constant contact with local authorities throughout the process.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his sincere gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support and cooperation in ensuring Shahidul Alam’s release and safe repatriation from Israel.