Press Release

‘Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza,’ an Exhibition on the Gaza-Bound Voyage opens at Drik

Drik Picture Library inaugurated the exhibition, ‘Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza’ earlier this evening at Dhaka’s DrikPath Bhobon. This exhibition chronicles the Gaza-bound voyage of two British-Bangladeshis, Jubair Islam Khan and Mohammed Ali (Liaquth), and Bangladeshi Shahidul Alam, who joined the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), in an effort to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade of Palestinians in besieged Gaza.

Along with the three flotilla activists, the opening event was attended by Yousef S. Y. Ramadan, the Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh, and ASM Rezaur Rahman, Drik’s general manager and the exhibition’s curator.

Regarding the exhibition, ASM Rezaur Rahman explained, “The exhibition is a very simple presentation. It offers a simplified account of how these three individuals went there and the experiences they went through. One section features an artistic representation of Ktzi’ot Prison. Based on her conversations with the three individuals, artist Sophia Karim created models of three separate incidents from their experiences. These models are also being presented as part of the exhibition.”

Mohammed Ali (Liaquth) expressed, “What you see in the gallery, and the stories you will hear from us, are an important reminder to me and to everyone that, despite all the difficulties we faced during this journey, including the travel, going there, being captured by the Israelis, being harassed and humiliated, and some of us being injured, our experiences are still far less severe than what our Palestinian brothers, sisters, and children endure. Some people were hospitalised for weeks. Some of our comrades were shot at close range with plastic bullets, which pierced their flesh. But we must never forget that Palestinians are facing far worse than what we faced. No matter how harrowing or distressing our own stories may be, the central focus must always remain on Palestine and on the suffering they continue to endure, until Palestine is free.”

Jubair Islam Khan described that the mission connected him to his homeland in ways he never expected. It gave him a deeper appreciation of our flag and what it represents. For years, he sometimes wondered what someone like him, the grandson of a farmer, could possibly do to make a meaningful impact in the world. But stories like this remind us that even the humblest people can play an important role in changing history. This experience has shown him that Bangladeshis are strong when we stand together in solidarity for humanity and justice, especially alongside the people of Palestine. Perhaps he will not be the one to bring that freedom, but he hopes someone from the next generation of Bangladeshi activists will help make it possible.

Shahidul Alam shared, “the exhibition brings together two events from our perspective: the first flotilla mission in September–October 2025, and the more recent mission that Jubair joined in May this year. Reza (curator) has woven these two experiences together in a way that works very effectively. But we must also remember those we left behind: our loved ones, families, friends, and colleagues, who endured their own hardships. We should especially recognise the people who continue to resist despite everything they have faced. Their courage has inspired all of us. What happened to us offers only a small glimpse of the far greater suffering endured by Palestinians.”

He further added, “While many governments remained silent or complicit, I was proud that Bangladesh’s leaders took a different position. Tarique Rahman, who was not prime minister at the time, was among the first to make a clear public statement supporting our mission and affirming that Bangladesh would stand with us if anything happened. Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, also issued a strong statement of support. At a time when global leaders had been sadly wanting, the fact that our leaders stood up and had the spine to say that is a very, very important thing to remember. Liaquth and I first met in the Israeli prison. Afterwards, we decided that Bangladesh should have its own vessel in the next flotilla. With donations from people here and others, we raised enough money to buy a boat. It sailed under the Bangladeshi flag, which was incredibly meaningful to us.”

Thanking everyone, Yousef S. Y. Ramadan Your expressed, “Your presence reflects your commitment to the Palestinian people, to justice, and to freedom. This struggle is not easy, and solidarity requires more than words or online support. It demands effort, courage, and sacrifice. But freedom and dignity are worth that cost. For decades, Palestinians have faced dispossession, violence, and displacement. Yet we will not be erased or forgotten. As long as our dream remains alive, we will continue to resist. With your support, we will not give up. No matter the hardship, hunger, displacement, or loss, Palestinians will continue striving for freedom, dignity, and justice. Please do not give up on us.”

Following the exhibition, there will be a panel discussion titled ‘Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza’ tomorrow Saturday, 15 August 2026, 6pm at Level 8, at the same venue. The three flotilla activists, each aboard a different vessel, will gather to recount their shared experience of challenging Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza.

Through photographs, video footage, and archival material, the exhibition ‘Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza’ recounts the participants’ journey - their vessel being stopped illegally in international waters by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), and their subsequent unlawful detention and transfer to Ktzi’ot prison in Israel.

Photo: Suman Kanti Paul and Habibul Haque/Drik

Press release in Bengali: 20260814_ Press Release_ Flotilla Exhibition.pdf

More Photos: Photos_ for Press

For further information, please contact:

Amina Neyamat

Equality, Diversity and Communications Officer

Mobile: +8801786502671, Email: amina@drik.net

Parvez Ahmad Rony

Coordinator, Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2026

Mobile: +8801737758800, Email: parvez@drik.net