TBT REPORT
A 15-day photography exhibition documenting the participation of Bangladeshi activists in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition opened at DrikPath Bhobon in the capital’s Panthapath on Friday.
Titled “Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza”, the exhibition chronicles the journey of British-Bangladeshis Jubair Islam Khan and Mohammed Ali Liaquth, alongside Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam, as they joined the coalition’s voyage towards Gaza.
Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef Ramadan attended the opening ceremony, where he reiterated that Palestinians would continue their struggle for freedom and dignity. He also thanked the people of Bangladesh for their continued support for Palestine.
“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,” Ramadan said.
Curated by Drik General Manager ASM Rezaur Rahman, the exhibition brings together photographs, video footage and archival materials from the voyage. According to the exhibition’s account, the participants’ vessel was intercepted in international waters before they were detained and transferred to Ktzi’ot Prison in Israel.
A sketch and model by architect Sofia Karim, based on accounts provided by the detainees, are also on display, depicting the prison where they were held.
The opening ceremony, moderated by Rezaur Rahman, also featured remarks from Jubair Islam Khan, Mohammed Ali Liaquth and Shahidul Alam.
Alam spoke about the support shown towards Palestinians in Bangladesh, including by political leaders.
Reflecting on their detention, Liaquth said their experience remained far removed from what Palestinians continue to endure.
“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,” he said.
Jubair Islam Khan, meanwhile, expressed hope that members of a new generation of Bangladeshi activists would continue to engage with the Palestinian struggle for freedom.
“Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza” will remain open at DrikPath Bhobon until August 29, daily from 3 pm to 8 pm. A panel discussion on the exhibition took place at the venue on Saturday.
