Palestinian Ambassador Vows Continued Struggle for Statehood at Dhaka Exhibition Launch
Photo Collected
Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef S.Y. Ramadan declared on Friday that the Palestinian struggle for independence remains undeterred despite decades of systemic displacement and violence. The ambassador delivered his remarks during the opening of a photography exhibition held at the Drikpath Bhaban in the capital’s Panthapath area.
Organized by the Drik Picture Library, the exhibition titled “Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza” documents the efforts of activists to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza via sea routes. The display highlights the harrowing experiences of three activists—photographer Shahidul Alam, and British-Bangladeshi nationals Mohammad Ali Liakat and Zubair Islam Khan—who faced detention and harassment by Israeli forces in international waters.
Ambassador Ramadan praised the activists, stating that their presence and documentation efforts serve as a testament to the public’s commitment to justice and Palestinian sovereignty. He emphasized that the Palestinian people would not be erased from history, regardless of the hardships endured.
During the event, Shahidul Alam detailed that the exhibition features imagery from missions conducted in September and October 2024, as well as May of this year. Alam acknowledged the support received during the missions, noting that while many world governments remained silent, Bangladeshi leaders took a courageous stance. He specifically cited early support from Tarique Rahman and strong backing from Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Alam also recounted meeting his fellow activist Liakat while both were held captive in an Israeli prison.
Mohammad Ali Liakat described the ordeal of being detained and subjected to abuse by Israeli forces, noting that some of his colleagues were shot with plastic bullets. However, he maintained that their suffering paled in comparison to the daily hardships faced by the people of Palestine. Zubair Islam Khan echoed these sentiments, noting that the mission provided a profound sense of pride in representing the national flag and underscored the potential for ordinary citizens to influence historical outcomes.
A panel discussion featuring the three activists is scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at the Drikpath Bhaban. The exhibition will remain open to the public daily from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. until August 29.
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