Bangladeshi UN Official Lt. Col. AKM Sufiul Anam (retired), who had been held captive by a faction of Al-Qaeda in Yemen, has successfully returned home following an 18-month ordeal. Sufiul Anam arrived at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka via a flight operated by Emeritus Airlines at approximately 6:30 pm, August 9, 2023. During his arrival, he took the opportunity to recount the harrowing experiences he endured during his time in captivity to the assembled media.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Sufiul Anam expressed his disbelief at his eventual safe return after having been abducted by terrorists. He described the distressing conditions he endured over the course of the 18 months and revealed that he lived with the constant fear of potential harm from his captors.
Sufiul Anam’s saga of survival and redemption
Prior to his abduction, Sufiul Anam served as a field coordination officer within the UN Department of Safety and Security stationed in Aden, the capital of war-ravaged Yemen. On February 11, 2022, he and four colleagues were kidnapped by members of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) while returning to Aden from a field mission in Mudiyah.
The captors demanded a ransom of USD 30 million in exchange for the release of Sufiul Anam. Following extensive efforts, the foreign ministry sanctioned a mission led by Col. Kazi Mohammad Zakaria consisting of five members to Yemen on December 29, 2022. The diligent efforts of this team culminated in Sufiul Anam’s rescue, which occurred on a previous Tuesday. Following the rescue operation, Sufiul Anam was transported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before ultimately being reunited with his loved ones in Bangladesh.
In an interview with journalists at the airport, Sufiul Anam conveyed the deeply challenging circumstances he endured during his 18-month captivity. He emphasised the constant threat of death that loomed over him and his colleagues, a fear that was an ever-present companion and nearly impossible to describe in words, akin to something one might encounter in cinematic portrayals.
Sufiul Anam’s return marks the conclusion of a distressing chapter in his life, and his resilience and ultimate release are a testament to the dedication and collaboration of those involved in his rescue.
Anam revealed that he and his fellow captives were held in various remote locations, including hills and deserts, throughout his 18-month captivity. He was consistently blindfolded during this period and moved to different places 18 times, although he expressed relief that he was not subjected to physical torture.
Anam shared that the kidnappers’ treatment deteriorated when they ran low on funds, leading to a lack of proper meals. He attributed their targeting to their association with the United Nations, suggesting that the international nature of their employment made them appealing targets. Although he acknowledged the kidnappers had made demands through videos, he refrained from elaborating further due to security concerns. Anam disclosed that his first communication with his family occurred on the Tuesday following his release, indicating the extent of his isolation during captivity.
Expressing his gratitude, Anam thanked the prime minister for his release and for facilitating his return home. He extended his appreciation to the officials of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) for their instrumental role in his rescue, acknowledging their unwavering support. Anam, a former army official, emphasized his commitment to contributing to the country’s needs and addressing challenges as they arise.
Imrul Mahmud, the director of NSI, described the lengthy and meticulous process behind Anam’s successful rescue. He noted that despite the kidnappers’ demand for a $3 million ransom, no money was ultimately paid for his release. The event was attended by NSI additional director Badrul Hasan Chowdhury and deputy director Badrul Hasan Bidyut, underscoring the collective effort that led to Anam’s safe return.
Video diary chronicles months of captivity
In the aftermath of his prolonged captivity, AKM Sufiul Anam, issued a plea for help through a video message that surfaced last year. The video, released by Al Qaeda’s Yemen branch and reportedly recorded on August 9, 2022, conveyed Anam’s dire situation and the urgent need for intervention.
In the video, Anam, who had been held captive by Al Qaeda for approximately six months at an undisclosed location, expressed his deep concerns for his well-being and the anguish of his family. He underscored the uncertainty surrounding his fate, highlighting the distressing reality that his family was unaware of his whereabouts. Anam implored the United Nations, the international community, and humanitarian organizations to step forward and address the demands of his captors, even though he did not explicitly state these demands in the video.
Anam, who hailed from Cumilla and was 65 years old at the time, revealed that he was grappling with severe health issues, including heart problems, which necessitated immediate medical attention. The gravity of his health situation added to the urgency of his appeal.
In addition to Anam, four of his colleagues were also kidnapped alongside him on February 11, as they were returning to the port city of Aden from a field mission in Yemen’s southern province of Abyan. The abduction had been confirmed by UN spokesperson Eri Kaneko, who had assured that the United Nations was closely liaising with authorities to secure the release of the kidnapped staff members.
Anam’s distressing video message shed light on the perilous circumstances faced by those working in conflict zones and the critical importance of international collaboration and swift action in such situations.
Decoding the enigma of Lt. Col. Sufiul Anam’s abduction
“I was on an official trip conducting a security assessment when, tragically, on February 11, 2022, while returning from that mission, I, along with four of my colleagues, fell victim to a harrowing hostage situation,”
Anam recounted in the emotional video message.
“For the past six months – an agonizing span of over 180 days – I have been held captive within the confines of four walls,” he continued, his voice trembling with emotion. Expressing a poignant concern, he drew attention to the grim fate suffered by Luke Somers, a reference to an individual who was tragically killed under similar circumstances. Anam’s plea for a swift resolution reflected his dire situation, highlighting the critical urgency of his release to avert a potentially tragic outcome.
His voice quivering, Anam yearned for the chance to reunite with his loved ones, particularly his children and family. He drew attention to the poignant struggles of his fellow captives, revealing how the weight of their circumstances had affected them deeply. Anam described the heart-wrenching scenes of colleagues shedding tears, unable to partake in cherished traditions like Eid due to their captivity.
According to family members, the United Nations informed Anam’s family about his abduction on February 12, the day after he was taken. Assurances were given by the UN, indicating that Anam was in a safe and healthy condition, had access to necessary medical attention, and was being attended to by a doctor. Local authorities, including the Governor of the Abyan province where the abduction occurred, engaged various stakeholders, including military and security leaders, as well as tribal leaders, to address the situation.
While the UN chose to withhold specific details of the ongoing negotiations due to security and confidentiality concerns, Anam’s family was reportedly optimistic about the progress of the negotiations and the potential for a positive resolution to the crisis.
The broader context of Yemen’s protracted conflict was also touched upon, underscoring the devastating toll it has exacted on the nation. The internal strife, triggered by Houthi rebels’ control of the capital in 2014 and subsequent military interventions, has led to immense human suffering, displacements, and loss of life, earning it the dire distinction of being described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises by the United Nations.
