After remaining missing for three days in Chattogram, journalist Golam Sarwar has been rescued by local people from Kumira, Sitakunda. On 1 November 2020, he was found at 07:30 pm on the banks of a canal in Bara Kumira Market area. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expresses grave-concern at this incident and firmly demands to take legal action against those involved in his abduction by identifying them through independent investigation.
According to media reports, at 9:30 am on 29 October, the staff reporter of the weekly Ajker Surjodoy at its Chattogram Bureau went missing after he left his residence at the Battery Lane, Chattogram. A general diary (GD) was filed at the Kotoali Police Station regarding this incident. It has also been reported that even after his rescue, Golam Sarwar was screaming out “don’t hit me, I will not do news reports any more” over and over again.
ASK is gravely concerned with this incident. ASK fears that this will create a sense of panic and insecurity among journalists which may be an obstacle for them in performing their professional duties. ASK believes that it is extremely important to immediately identify those involved with Golam Sarwar’s abduction through an impartial investigation and ensure proper trial and punishment in order to overcome this fear. ASK also urges the authorities to ensure proper medical care for Golam Sarwar as well as the safety and security of him and his family.