Abducted BRAC official released unhurt in Afghanistan

Dhaka , Dec 8 (UNI) An official of a leading Bangladesh NGO, kidnapped from his office in Afghan province of Lugar three months ago, was released unhurt late last night.

Director, Public Affairs and Communications of BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Center), M Anwarul Islam, said official Noor Islam was now undergoing medical check-up at a government establishment in Lugar.

Weeks before Mr Noor's abduction, another BRAC official was kidnapped and allegedly killed in Afghanistan by Taliban militants.

Afghan security officials secured Mr Noor's release after frantic efforts for the last few months. The official was likely to be handed over to BRAC authorities in Kabul tomorrow.

Mr Noor is one of more than 200 Bangladeshi staff engaged in micro-financing operations, women empowerment, education and health activities in war-ravaged Afghanistan since 2002.

UNI