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Article 19 expresses concern over disappearance of journo Shafiqul


Published : 16 Mar 2020 09:12 PM | Updated : 05 Sep 2020 12:20 PM

Article 19, a UK based human rights organisation, has expressed its concern regarding the disappearance of journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol, who went missing on March 10 last, says a press release. The day before Kajol disappeared; a case under the controversial Digital Security Act, 2018 was filed against him along with popular daily Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury and 30 others on charge of publishing a report with ‘false information’ and circulating it on social media.

Kajol previously worked as a photojournalist at Dainik Samakal and Banik Barta. He is also the editor of a fortnightly magazine ‘Pakkhakal’. Kajol’s son Monorom Palak said his father left home for office around 3:00pm on Tuesday, 10 march 2020 and as he did not return by 10:00pm, the family members called him only to find that two of his mobile phones were switched off.

Kajol's family suspects that he was abducted and has urged authorities concerned to help ensure his safe return. The family on Wednesday, 11 March 2020 filed a general diary with Chawkbazar Police Station in this connection. Faruq Faisel, Regional Director of ARTICLE 19, Bangladesh and South Asia said, “Misuse of law in silencing dissent voice is in contradiction to the constitutional commitment to the rule of law and disregard for the freedom of the press. This will create a threatening atmosphere where people will feel insecure to express themselves and will impede constructive criticism of government by journalists”.

He added, “Increased intimidation and threats to undermine freedom of expression is in rise in Bangladesh. Rights violations and harassments have increasingly taken the form of repressive use of legislation. This raises concerns in terms of an enabling space where journalists and media workers are free and can function without fear and intimidation.”

As per ARTTICLE 19 record, in February, 2020, at least 50 incidents of freedom of violations took place; of which serious bodily injury 4, assault 9, abduction 1, destruction of equipment 5, defamation and vexatious cases 2, criminalization of online expression 9 and gender based violation 1.

Recently, a senior reporter of a private television channel Mohona TV, Mushfiqur Rahman, who went missing on August 3, 2019, has been found in Sunamganj Sadar upazila after 3 days. A mobile court at midnight of 14 March 2020 sent journalist Ariful Islam to jail. Ariful Islam is district correspondent for online news portal Bangla Tribune. Law enforcement members led by magistrate picked him up from his home in Kurigram. His wife alleged that he was stripped and tortured blindfolded when he was kept at the DC office. However, a Kurigram court on 15 March 2020 granted bail to journalist Ariful Islam and the government has withdrawn Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Sultana Pervin and three others officials following their controversial role in the case.

On March 10 last, journalist Sabrin Jerin, Madaripur district correspondent of Amader Notun Somoy along with her husband, Abdullah Al Mamun, Madaripur district correspondent for the Protidiner Songbad and brother-in-law, Arifur Rahman, Madaripur representative for Ajkaler Khobor were brutally beaten by one Nasir Uddin, an officer at local government engineering department, at his office. Jerin was admitted to Madaripur Sadar Hospital with serious injuries. ARTICLE 19 calls to ensure concrete protection measures for journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders and redress all forms of violations against them.

ARTICLE 19, UK based human rights organisation with a specific mandate and focus on the defense and promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of information worldwide founded in 1987. The organisation has been working in Bangladesh since 2008.