The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), a regional human rights body, on Thursday expressed grave concern over the abduction of Abu Bakar Siddique. The human rights group urged the Bangladesh government to expedite efforts to ensure the immediate safe return of Siddique, the husband of prominent human rights activist Sayeda Rizwana Hasan, and that all perpetrators are held accountable, according to a message received here from Bangkok. Rizwana, who is the Executive Director of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association and recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012, has filed a complaint with the law enforcement authorities asserting that her husband may have been abducted by persons who are disgruntled with her environmental advocacy work. Twenty-four hours after the said abduction, Siddique’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his abduction remain unknown despite reported joint investigations by the police and the Rapid Action Batallion (Rab), an anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit. “While we recognise the ongoing efforts by the police and the Rab to investigate this case, we’re gravely concerned that there’s still no information on the whereabouts of Mr. Siddique and the circumstances behind his abduction” said Evelyn Balais Serrano, Executive Director, FORUM-ASIA. – UNB
