Shahidul Alam sails for Gaza waving Bangladesh flag and hope

The Bangladeshi writer, photographer, and activist Shahidul Alam has become a national symbol of courage, drawing a massive outpouring of support on social media as he sails toward Gaza as part of the 'Conscience Flotilla' in Sumud, a wave of peaceful ships sailing towards Gaza.

He has embarked on a turbulent journey, joining the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), being the first Bangladeshi, joining nationals and humanitarian activists from at least 37 countries, on this pivotal voyage to deliver humanitarian aid and relief to the famine-struck people of Gaza.

The Conscience Flotilla, a vessel in the current wave of humanitarian missions to Gaza, was interrupted with continued storm warnings, and reports of dangers further ahead.

This journey came to a sudden halt immediately after Israeli troops intercepted one of the other ships in the fleet of the 'Sumud,' as reported by Shahidul Alam on Facebook.

Many are now referring to this mission as 'The Flotilla of Humanity.'

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that the whole nation is rooting for him, admiring his incredible bravery for standing up to injustice, with the rest of the world watching and just praying. They are praying for his safety. As if every social media post from his end relieves the anxiety netizens are having about his whereabouts.

Reassuring his followers, he posts frequently, confirming they are undeterred and continuing on their path to Gaza. He even shared a video that showed how, unbowed by the attacks by Israel on international waters, flotilla survivors sing "Bella Ciao" for their comrades — an Italian folk song about resistance of undeterred freedom-seekers all over the world.

What he brought with him to the ship was far more inspiring: the flag of Bangladesh to wave alongside Palestine's and the striking black panjabi bearing the iconic Martyr Abu Sayed's image.

Referring to Abu Sayed as his 'boro bhai' (big brother) out of respect, he wrote on a Facebook post: "I wear Abu Sayed on my chest who bared his chest in front of armed police." As a true contrarian, he added, "Throughout history it is people who challenged the status quo who've changed things."

Humbled with the massive response he got from Bangladeshi netizens, Alam expressed his resolve for the people, saying, "I am taking the love of all the people of Bangladesh with me."

The flock of ships consists of 500 people from 45 countries, yet Shahidul Alam is the one and only from Bangladesh, sailing on behalf of all of us.

It could be argued that, having been aware of the power of photo-documentaries, he is leveraging his skills as a highly regarded photojournalist to meticulously document this historic journey. His pictures are creating an undeniable record of history that the other side will find very difficult to expunge.

Moved by his brave voice speaking the truth against injustice, many are saying that as Bangladeshis, he has made us proud. Waving the Bangladeshi flag on the ship, he made us all feel like part of a historic journey.

The netizens of Bangladesh, unable to be there in person, are showing their solidarity by sharing his posts, displaying his picture on their profiles, and sending prayers.

One such netizen said, "May Allah save you and the crew of humanity for all of us! May the force of truth and justice be with you."

Alam's message is clear, as he states in social media: "There are billions across the globe who also stand on the right side of history. We represent their collective anger. We will do whatever we can to liberate Palestine. Palestine will be free."