Urgent Action: Bangladesh prisoner of conscience faces prolonged detention
Shahidul Alam, a prisoner of conscience and possible victim of torture, has been denied bail and is being subjected to prolonged detention for peacefully exercising his right to free speech after a case was filed against him under section 57 of the draconian Information and Communication Technology Act of Bangladesh. If tried and convicted, he faces up to 14 years in prison.
Take action
Write, call or fax calling on authorities to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release Shahidul Alam and withdraw all cases against him as he is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for peacefully expressing his opinions;
- Immediately order an independent and efficient investigation into his torture allegations, and if found to be true prosecute those responsible in fair proceedings;
- Amend or repeal the Information and Communication Technology Act so as to bring Bangladeshi laws into line with international human rights law.
Contact these officials before 24 October:
Minister of Home Affairs
Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka
Bangladesh
Mobile: +880 1 711541569
Tel: +880 2 9574800
Fax: +880 2 9133498
Email: minister@mha.gov.bd
Salutation: Honourable Home Minister
Inspector General of Police
Mohammad Javed Patwary
Police Headquarters
Dhaka
Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 9514444;
+880 2 9514445;
Fax: +880 2 7125840
Email: ig@police.gov.bd
Salutation: Dear Inspector General of Police
With copies to:
Political Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister
H.T. Imam
Prime Minister’s Office
Dhaka
Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 9129997
E-mail: advimam@pmo.gov.bd; htimam55@gmail.com
Salutation: Dear Advisor
and
His Excellency Mr. MD. Nazmul Quaunine
High Commission for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
28 Queen’s Gate London
SW7 5JA
020 7584 0081,
Fax: 020 7581 7477
info@bhclondon.org.uk, www.bhclondon.org.uk