Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam has returned home after being released from Israeli detention. He was among 144 international activists detained while attempting to sail through the Mediterranean Sea to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Gaza.

A Turkish Airlines flight carrying Shahidul landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 4:55 am on Saturday. He was received with flowers by his family members and colleagues upon arrival.

After coming out through the VIP lounge around 5 am, Shahidul briefly spoke to reporters, recounting his journey with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

The people of Gaza are still suffering; the oppression continues. Our mission will not be over until that stops,” he said, expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his ordeal.

I want to thank so many people — especially the Bangladeshis around the world who prayed for me and sent love and solidarity,” he added.

Shahidul was on ‘The Conscience’, the largest vessel of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Over 140 journalists, activists, and human rights defenders were detained during the mission. Several have since been released, though the ship’s captain, Australian national Madeleine Habib, remains imprisoned in an Israeli desert facility for an indefinite period.

Earlier on Friday, Shahidul arrived in Istanbul at 2:25 pm local time (5:25 pm Bangladesh time) on a Turkish Airlines flight following his release from Israeli custody. He was received at the airport by Bangladesh Consul General in Istanbul Mohammad Mizanur Rahman. Later, he departed for Dhaka on another Turkish Airlines flight at 6:45 pm local time.