Human rights organizations call for release of 2 Bangladesh human rights activists News
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Human rights organizations call for release of 2 Bangladesh human rights activists

A group of 72 human rights organizations called for the immediate and unconditional release of Adilur Rahman Khan, Secretary of the Bangladeshi human rights organization Odhikar, and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, Odhikar’s director, in a joint appeal on Thursday. Both men were convicted on charges of disseminating false information and sentenced to two years in prison.

Amnesty International’s South Asian Regional Office issued a statement asserting that the detention of Khan and Elan was solely related to their human rights activities. The charges against the men stem from a 2013 report where they documented extrajudicial killings during a demonstration in Bangladesh.

According to AFP, Khan and Elan were sentenced Thursday on charges of “publishing and circulating false information, hurting religious sentiments, and undermining the state’s image.” These charges were brought under the Information and Communication Technology Act of 2006.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) also called for Khan and Elan’s immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing the need to reverse the men’s convictions and to ensure they can continue their reporting without fear of reprisal.

The United States Embassy in Bangladesh expressed support for the two human rights defenders, voicing concern that the judgment against Khan and Elan could further undermine the ability of human rights activists and civil society groups to carry out their essential democratic functions.

The United Nations (UN) also voiced concerns over the use of legal proceedings in Bangladesh to intimidate and harass human rights advocates. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for a rigorous review of Khan and Elan’s cases to ensure due process and fair trial standards. According to the UN, these cases were seen as a crucial test of judicial independence in the country.

A July report revealed that only two percent of human rights defenders in Bangladesh feel safe. The report stated that approximately 65 percent of surveyed defenders said they faced obstacles to their work, which they largely attributed to the ruling Awami League party, law enforcement agencies and intelligence services.

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