Drik exhibition chronicles Bangladeshi activists’ Gaza flotilla missions

Drik Picture Library on Friday inaugurated an exhibition documenting the Gaza-bound voyages of three activists with Bangladeshi roots who joined the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in attempts to challenge Israel’s blockade of the besieged Palestinian territory.

The exhibition, titled “Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza,” opened at 6 p.m. at DrikPath Bhobon in Dhaka. It chronicles the experiences of British-Bangladeshis Jubair Islam Khan and Mohammed Ali, also known as Liaquth, and Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam.

The three joined separate Freedom Flotilla Coalition missions seeking to reach Gaza by sea. Through photographs, video footage and archival material, the exhibition recounts their voyages, the interception of their vessels in international waters by Israeli forces, and their subsequent detention and transfer to Ktzi’ot prison in Israel.

Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan and Drik General Manager ASM Rezaur Rahman, who curated the exhibition, joined the three activists at the opening.

Rahman described the exhibition as a straightforward account of the activists’ journeys and experiences.

“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,” he said.

One section contains an artistic representation of Ketziot Prison. Artist Sophia Karim, drawing on conversations with the three activists, created models depicting three separate incidents they experienced, which are displayed as part of the exhibition.

Liaquth said their treatment during the flotilla missions — including detention, harassment, humiliation and injuries — should not overshadow the vastly greater suffering endured by Palestinians.

“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,” he said.

Some flotilla participants were hospitalised for weeks, he said, while others were shot at close range with plastic bullets that pierced their flesh.

“But we must never forget that Palestinians are facing far worse than what we faced,” Liaquth said. “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.”

Khan said the mission unexpectedly deepened his connection with Bangladesh and his appreciation of the national flag and what it represents.

As the grandson of a farmer, he said, he had often wondered what someone from his background could do to make a meaningful impact on the world. His experience with the flotilla convinced him that ordinary people could play a role in changing history and that Bangladeshis could be a powerful force when united in solidarity for humanity and justice, particularly with Palestinians.

Khan said he might not be the person who sees Palestinian freedom achieved, but hoped a future generation of Bangladeshi activists would help make it possible.

Alam said the exhibition brings together two separate flotilla missions — the September-October 2025 voyage in which he and Liaquth participated and the more recent mission joined by Khan in May this year.

“Reza has woven these two experiences together in a way that works very effectively,” Alam said.

He said the exhibition should also draw attention to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones whom the activists left behind and who faced hardships of their own.

“We should especially recognise the people who continue to resist despite everything they have faced. Their courage has inspired all of us,” Alam said. “What happened to us offers only a small glimpse of the far greater suffering endured by Palestinians.”

Alam also praised Bangladesh’s political leadership for publicly backing the flotilla activists.

“While many governments remained silent or complicit, I was proud that Bangladesh’s leaders took a different position,” he said.

He recalled that Tarique Rahman, who was not prime minister at the time, was among the first political leaders to publicly support their mission and say Bangladesh would stand with them if anything happened. Then-Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus also issued what Alam described as 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,” Alam said.

Alam said he and Liaquth first met while detained in an Israeli prison. After their release, they decided Bangladesh should have its own vessel in a future flotilla.

“With donations from people here and others, we raised enough money to buy a boat,” he said. “It sailed under the Bangladeshi flag, which was incredibly meaningful to us.”

Addressing the opening, Palestinian Ambassador Ramadan thanked those attending for standing with Palestinians.

“Your presence reflects your commitment to the Palestinian people, to justice, and to freedom,” he said. “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.”

Ramadan said Palestinians had endured decades of dispossession, violence and displacement but would continue resisting.

“Yet we will not be erased or forgotten. As long as our dream remains alive, we will continue to resist,” he said. “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.”

The exhibition will be followed by a panel discussion, also titled “Flotilla: Bangladesh Sails for Gaza,” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Level 8 of DrikPath Bhobon.

The three activists, who travelled aboard different vessels, will come together at the discussion to recount their experiences of attempting to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and their detention following the interception of their vessels.

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