Release or Revoke: The Urgent Call for Justice in Bangladesh

Bangladesh: Quash Conviction and Release Rights Defenders

Introduction

In a concerning turn of events, human rights defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan of the prominent Bangladesh human rights organization Odhikar have been convicted on trumped-up charges. The Cyber Tribunal of Dhaka sentenced Khan and Elan to two years in prison and imposed a fine as retribution for their work documenting human rights violations in Bangladesh. This conviction is a grave violation of their rights and an attack on the important work being done by human rights defenders.

Unjust Targeting and Smear Campaign

The Bangladesh government has persistently targeted Khan and Elan, launching a smear campaign against them and the organization they represent. The government’s actions against Odhikar and its leaders have included arbitrary detention, prosecution, judicial harassment, and attempts to undermine their credibility and reputation. The targeting intensified after the publication of Odhikar’s fact-finding report in 2013, which exposed extrajudicial killings during a protest. Instead of addressing the human rights violations documented in the report, the government has chosen to silence those who exposed them.

Due Process Violations and Political Interference

The case against Khan and Elan has been marred with serious due process violations. The defense was not provided with advance information on the prosecution witnesses, and they were only given a copy of the Criminal Investigation Department’s further investigation report shortly before a hearing. This lack of transparency undermines the fairness of the proceedings and raises questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Furthermore, the government’s decision to accelerate the hearings in this case following the US sanctions against the country’s abusive paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its officials raises concerns about political interference in the judicial process. Blaming human rights organizations like Odhikar for the imposition of sanctions is a clear attempt to divert attention from the real issues of human rights abuses and deflect responsibility.

International Concerns and Call for Action

The actions of the Bangladesh government have not gone unnoticed by the international community. United Nations human rights experts have expressed their concerns over the government’s targeting of human rights organizations and the defamation of these organizations by public figures. It is crucial that the international community continues to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and speak out against these violations.

Editorial: Protecting Human Rights Defenders

The conviction of Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan is a clear violation of their rights and an attack on the important work being done by human rights defenders in Bangladesh. It is imperative that the Bangladesh government reverses their convictions, releases them immediately and unconditionally, and ends all reprisals against them and other human rights defenders.

Human rights defenders play a vital role in societies by exposing human rights abuses and working towards justice and accountability. They should be protected, not prosecuted, for their work. The international community must advocate for the rights of these defenders and put pressure on the Bangladesh government to uphold its obligations to respect and protect human rights.

Advice: The Role of Human Rights Defenders in Society

It is crucial for societies to recognize and support the role of human rights defenders. They are the conscience of our societies, shining a light on abuses and advocating for justice. Governments should create an enabling environment for their work, ensuring that they can operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or reprisals.

Furthermore, it is essential for civil society organizations, human rights groups, and individuals to stand in solidarity with human rights defenders like Khan and Elan. Their work is tireless, often carried out at great personal risk, and their dedication to human rights should be celebrated and supported.

In conclusion, the conviction and ongoing harassment of human rights defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan in Bangladesh is an alarming development that requires urgent attention. The international community must rally behind these defenders and advocate for their release, the quashing of their convictions, and an end to all reprisals against them and other human rights defenders in Bangladesh. Protecting the rights of those who protect our rights is a fundamental duty for any society committed to justice, accountability, and human dignity.

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