Liakat

Liakat is a blogger from Bangladesh who began his career in 2013. He writes extensively about religious fundamentalism, terrorism, gender and LGBTQI+ equality, and freedom of expression in Bangladesh. Liakat was among the first bloggers to address the issue of violence and sexual abuse suffered by children in the madrasah education system in Bangladesh, drawing on personal experience.

He has also reported and campaigned on the murders of fellow bloggers targeted by religious extremists, arguing that the Bangladeshi government has been reluctant to counter them.

In addition to blogging, Liakat has been active on YouTube and social media. He studied law at Darul Ihsan University until he was arrested due to his blogging activities and forced to discontinue his studies.

Due to his writing, Liakat was imprisoned for almost two years (656 days) during which time he endured torture and harassment by the authorities. He fled Bangladesh after being released under the condition to stop writing and continued publishing from exile.

In September 2024, Liakat arrived in Sandviken, Sweden and began his ICORN residency. He continues to write about social, cultural, and religious issues in Bangladesh and plans to complete his law degree.