Some 70 individuals, including members of the British parliament, and 15 organisations from different countries have called for Shahriar Kabir, writer, researcher and president of the Advisory Board of the Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, to be granted bail and to receive proper medical treatment, reports bdnews24.com.
Lord Rami Ranger, a member of the UK House of Lords, and Bob Blackman, a member of the House of Commons, have separately written to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressing their deep concern over the deteriorating health of the imprisoned Kabir.
In a separate letter to the prime minister from the organisation Genocide Watch, 68 representatives from various fields and 15 human rights organisations have echoed the same call.
Kabir was arrested in Dhaka's Banani area on Sept 17 after the July Uprising. Later, the police showed him arrested in multiple cases connected to the July Uprising. Since then, the human rights activist and filmmaker has been in jail.
He was remanded and interrogated several times in connection with these cases. Although he has petitioned for bail several times, it has not been granted.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Lord Rami Ranger wrote, "According to the information I have received, Mr Kabir was arrested on 16 September 2024 on allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity. These accusations are deeply concerning, given Mr Kabir's long-standing public record of advocating for justice, human rights and accountability for international crimes. Throughout his life, he has been widely recognised as a prominent voice against atrocities, extremism and communal violence in all forms.
"I am particularly troubled by reports regarding his current health and prison conditions. Mr Kabir, who is wheelchair-dependent and suffers from serious medical conditions, has reportedly faced grave health challenges while in custody, including cardiac complications. It has also been reported that he has suffered multiple cardiac incidents during his detention and has not consistently received the medical care that his condition requires."
He said, "Considering the seriousness of the situation and the humanitarian considerations involved, I respectfully urge your government to grant Mr Kabir immediate bail on medical grounds, and ensure that he receives full and timely access to appropriate medical treatment..."
The House of Lords member also called on the prime minister to reconsider the cases filed against Kabir and ensure a fair trial through due process in accordance with international standards.
