"I cannot use a phone for my safety, or ride my bicycle, which I have ridden for 50 years," said photojournalist Shahidul Alam at a lecture session in the capital yesterday.

"I cannot go alone anywhere anymore. I have come here today with a companion," said Alam, while speaking at Bengal Shilpalay.

The lecture session was organised by Gyantapas Abdur Razzaq Foundation.

Alam said he has been under pressure from the authorities and as a result has had to take these measures.

"Last year, when we held a press photo contest and the winning photo was on the theme of enforced disappearance, we received many calls from the law enforcement," he said.

He also spoke about how this has hampered his mobility and his photography to some extent.

"After I was picked up, all of our corporate clients left us, and a client told me that it is not safe for him to take my call," said Alam.

He said law enforcers have not submitted any charge-sheet against him even though four years have gone by following the filing of the case.