In a shocking incident that has raised concerns over public safety and the protection of academics, Abdur Razzak (Sohel), a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Comilla University, was forcibly abducted and robbed while travelling towards Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon. The event reportedly took place around 2:30 pm in the Kotbari area, with the assailants escaping after carrying out a meticulously planned operation.
Incident Details
According to Mr Razzak, he initially travelled to the Kotbari Bishwobroad area in a colleague’s private car and was waiting for a bus to Dhaka. Suddenly, a private car pulled up, and one of the occupants asked him if he had booked an Uber. When he replied in the negative, the four assailants forcibly took him into the vehicle. After passing the Comilla Cantonment, he was restrained—his eyes, hands, and feet bound—and held captive.
During the ordeal, the abductors confiscated his mobile phone, wallet, and BDT 15,000 in cash. They then forced him to withdraw BDT 20,000 at a time from an Islami Bank ATM booth near Abid Market, making a total of BDT 80,000 in four transactions. Additionally, BDT 2,500 was taken via bKash, bringing the total stolen amount to BDT 97,500.
| Item | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Cash from wallet | 15,000 |
| ATM withdrawals (four transactions) | 80,000 |
| bKash transfer | 2,500 |
| Total | 97,500 |
Mr Razzak described the abductors’ roles: one was the driver, another technically adept in IT, while the remaining two were armed and exhibited a clear intent to intimidate. Before abandoning him in Shaheednagar, Daudkandi, they repeatedly threatened him with firearms and chemical sprays to render him unconscious.
Police Response
Mohammad Sirajul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Comilla Sadar South Model Police Station, confirmed that the lecturer has filed a case against the four unidentified assailants. Police have launched an investigation and are actively working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Victim Statement and Public Concern
Speaking to Prothom Alo, Mr Razzak said, “I have been in deep trauma since the incident. I hope the police will arrest the criminals quickly and ensure exemplary punishment.”
The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of students, academics, and residents in university-centric areas. Experts have emphasised the urgent need for stricter mobile app monitoring, enhanced passenger safety protocols, and stronger law enforcement presence along city and highway routes.
This case underscores a critical gap in the protection of scholars and raises pressing questions about urban security measures in Comilla and other academic hubs.