Journalist missing for three days
Journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol, an accused in a case alongside 31 others under Digital Security Act has been missing since Tuesday afternoon. His family filed a general diary with Chawkbazar Police Station in this regard yesterday.
"We could not establish any contact with him, as his phone was found switched off till now," his son Monorom Polok told The Daily Star last night. "We want his safe return," he appealed.
Kajol, the editor of Pokkhokal magazine, worked as a photojournalist in various national dailies including the daily Samakal and Bonik Barta, his colleagues said.
He was accused alongside editor-in-chief of Bangla daily Manabzamin and 31 others in a case filed on Monday by Awami League lawmaker Saifuzzaman Shikhor, with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station.
Shikhor alleged that Manabzamin published a report on expelled Jubo Mohila League leader Shamima Nur Papia with false information, without directly mentioning names but implicating several MPs.
When it was shared on social media, the other accused mentioned his name, the case statement said.
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police said they did not arrest Kajol.
ASK, DRU DEMAND WITHDRAWAL OF CASE
Meanwhile, rights body Ain o Salish Kendra yesterday expressed concern over filing of the case, and demanded its withdrawal.
It also urged the authorities concerned to find the missing journalist.
Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) yesterday also expressed concerns over the case and demanded its withdrawal. It urged authorities concerned not to harass anyone.
"If anyone was aggrieved by any news, they could seek justice, lodging complaint with the Bangladesh Press Council. Without doing that, misuse of Digital Security Act is not acceptable," DRU said in a press statement.
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