Sandviken welcomes Bangladeshi blogger Liakat as the city’s third ICORN resident
In September 2024, the Swedish city of Sandviken welcomed its third ICORN resident, Bangladeshi blogger Liakat. Liakat began his career in 2013, focusing on issues such as religious fundamentalism, terrorism, gender and LGBTQI+ equality, and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
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.
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.
From Sandviken, Liakat continues to write about social, cultural, and religious issues in Bangladesh and plans to complete his law degree.
Sandviken ICORN City of Refuge
Sandviken has been an ICORN City of Refuge since 2016, following a City Council decision to join the network in 2015.
In addition to Liakat, Sandviken has welcomed other ICORN residents, including Iranian journalist and women’s rights activist Mahdieh Golroo (2020–2022) and Russian poet, composer, musician, singer, and civil activist Mikhail Borzykin (2017–2019).
