An MP from Bangladesh, Anwarul Azim, has reportedly gone missing after arriving in Kolkata for medical treatment five days ago, officials disclosed on Tuesday. A search operation is underway to locate the three-time Awami League MP.
Azim arrived in Kolkata on May 12 for treatment but has not been in contact with his family since then, with his phone switched off since May 14, according to sources.
Concerned about his disappearance, the MP's family brought the matter to the attention of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following which the Prime Minister's office alerted diplomats in Delhi and Kolkata, who in turn informed the police. The Bangladesh Embassy in Kolkata has also initiated an inquiry.
However, despite efforts, there has been no sign of MP Azim. Awami League sources revealed that Azim frequently seeks medical treatment in India, and Kolkata is a familiar destination for him, with some acquaintances there.
An official from the consulate mentioned that Azim entered West Bengal via the Darshana border on May 12 and visited the residence of a friend named Gopal Biswas in Baranagar. However, on May 14, he left Biswas' house, indicating he would return the same day or the next, but failed to do so. Consequently, Biswas filed a missing person report with the Kolkata police.
In addition to his Bangladesh connection, the MP was using an Indian SIM card due to regular travel between the two countries. Biswas informed the police that both of Azim's phones had been turned off. Azim reportedly left his belongings at Biswas' house and departed with few possessions.
Mumtarin Firdous, Azim's daughter, filed a complaint about her father's disappearance with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Intelligence Department on Tuesday.
According to senior Bangladesh intelligence officer Mohammad Haroon Rashid, Azim's phones have intermittently been switched off or active, but he remains unreachable.
