AHRC pressing India to free detained Bangladeshi

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is pressing Indian authorities for the early release and repatriation of Sultan Ahmed, a 65-years-old Bangladesh national, in a detention camp designated for suspected foreigners in Goalpara, a border town of Assam. Ahmed, who entered India with a valid passport, was arrested on October 6, 2012, in Assam on two allegations of cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. He was convicted in the first case and completed the prison sentence. However, he was not released as the second case trial was ongoing. On April 4 this year, he was acquitted of all charges in the second case by the Court of Judicial Magistrate. The court ordered the authorities to return Ahmed’s passport and to arrange for his return to Bangladesh. However, the jail authorities continue to hold him in the detention camp of the Goalpara District Jail and is refusing his right to be free and return. Ahmed entered India for business on July 13, 2012, through Hili Border gate at Dinajpur district after clearing all immigration formalities, according to bdnews24.com.