Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has demanded that missing fisherman Miraj Sheikh of Joymoni in Mongla, Bagerhat, be located alive and in good health and produced before the court under a High Court order. HRSS made the demand at a Monday press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka, jointly organised with the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust and Miraj’s family.

Miraj, 30, fishes in the Sundarbans and also drives a rented motorcycle. He has been missing since April 10, when several people identifying themselves as Coast Guard members allegedly forcibly took him away. His wife, Mukta Khatun, said plainclothes personnel put him on a boat before a speedboat bearing Bangladesh Coast Guard markings arrived with uniformed members.

HRSS said the High Court on July 12 ordered Miraj’s production within 15 working days, but he remains untraced while Coast Guard authorities have denied detaining him. The group called for an independent investigation, accountability for those responsible, security for the family and witnesses, and action under existing law if allegations exist against Miraj. HRSS said it is trying to preserve digital evidence and will seek to speak with the Coast Guard.