Highlights
- British Bangladeshi human rights activist Ruhi Lauren Akhtar joins Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.
- Her organization Refugee Biriyani and Bananas (RBB) has long worked for refugees and displaced people.
- Ruhi says she joined the mission because “remaining silent in the face of injustice is no solution.”
- She was honoured with Bangladeshi Person of the Year 2024 award in the UK.
- Over 500 activists from 44 countries are part of the flotilla.
Ruhi Akhtar’s Humanitarian Journey
Ruhi Lauren Akhtar, a British humanitarian activist of Bangladeshi origin, is now sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid for Gaza. She is the founder of the humanitarian group Refugee Biriyani and Bananas (RBB), which has distributed food and aid to refugees and displaced people in different parts of the world.
On social media, Ruhi shared videos from the flotilla, speaking about their journey and determination to stand by Gaza despite all risks.
ব্যবসায়ী, ক্যারিয়ার বিল্ডার বা মার্কেটার—সবার জন্য এক রোডম্যাপ ! ক্লিক করুন এখানে…
Personal Background
Ruhi’s father, Kaptan Mia, is a Bangladeshi expatriate in the UK. Ruhi was born in Morpeth, UK, and now lives in Elswick Ward. She has been deeply involved in humanitarian assistance and rights advocacy for years.
In 2024, she received the Bangladeshi Person of the Year Award at the Northeast Bangladesh Awards in the UK for her outstanding global humanitarian work.
Why She Joined the Flotilla
Ruhi explained her decision in powerful words:
“I joined the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza because silence in the face of injustice is no solution. For years, Palestinians have been deprived of food, water, land, basic security, and freedom of movement. As a humanitarian worker, I have seen how even a piece of bread or clean water can bring hope in the darkest times. This flotilla is a symbol of solidarity, reminding the world that we are watching and that we will stand by the people of Gaza until they are free. Because none of us are free until Palestine is free.”\
Read More: Shahidul Alam Vows to Reach Gaza Despite Israeli Attacks
The Flotilla’s Mission
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from ports in Tunisia, Spain, Greece, and Italy. Ruhi’s boat carries 12 passengers and is part of over 40 ships heading towards Gaza. According to live trackers, around 24 ships are still moving towards Gaza without Israeli obstruction, while one ship named Mikeno has already entered Gaza’s territorial waters.
However, Israel has intercepted several others. Reports say over 200 activists have been detained, with at least 13 ships seized.
A Global Movement
The flotilla includes around 500 participants from 44 countries—among them parliamentarians, lawyers, doctors, journalists, and human rights defenders from the US, Spain, Ireland, France, Belgium, and beyond.
The mission aims to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza and deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the people suffering there.
Source: Kaler Kantho
