Drik Presents Panel Discussion: ‘Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza’

Stories of Resistance and Solidarity from the Flotilla Activists

Drik Picture Library hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza’ on earlier this evening at Dhaka’s DrikPath Bhobon. Three flotilla activists, Mohammed Ali (Liaquth), Jubair Islam Khan and Shahidul Alam, each aboard a different vessel, gathered to recount their shared experience of challenging Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza.

Liaquth said he joined because protests and petitions no longer felt sufficient amid Gaza’s ongoing assault. Inspired by his faith, he helped organise UK and Bangladeshi delegations, underwent detention-preparation training, and prepared vessels for the journey. He said meeting fellow Bangladeshi Shahidul Alam in detention after capture strengthened his resolve.

Jubair described how helplessness and guilt over Gaza led him to join after consulting his wife and performing Istikhara. He recalled the voyage as a powerful example of cross-faith solidarity. During an engine failure at night, he used the stars to keep the vessel on course—an experience he found spiritually meaningful. As communications officer, he attempted to livestream the interception and described alleged mistreatment and abuse in detention.

Shahidul Alam, who also moderated much of the discussion, travelled aboard Conscience with around 92 journalists and medical professionals from nearly 30 countries. He said the mission aimed not only to deliver aid, but also to assure Palestinian children, journalists, and health workers that they had not been abandoned. Despite difficult conditions aboard, participants shared duties and discussed future solidarity efforts.

Shahidul further said that mission was not only about delivering aid but also about showing Palestinians, especially children, journalists, and medical workers, that they had not been abandoned. He added that even an intercepted mission could draw international attention back to Gaza. Liaquth said that, if he had arrived safely, he might have settled in Gaza to support its people long-term.

On Bangladesh’s response, Shahidul said they initially funded their own travel in the first trip but later received public support from political figures and the government. He noted that this was meaningful because activists elsewhere often faced criticism at home. He also expressed appreciation that two of the largest contributions to a later fundraising effort came from the Bangladeshi government.

Photo: M H Akash/Drik

Published: August 16, 2026