Dhaka, March 14 (NationPress) A coalition of European and global civil society organizations has urgently appealed to Tarique Rahman, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, to facilitate the swift release and necessary medical treatment for imprisoned journalist, author, freedom fighter, and human rights advocate Shahriar Kabir.

In a collective statement released earlier this week, the organizations cautioned that the health of Shahriar Kabir, who is 75 years old and currently in state custody, has significantly worsened, reaching a 'critical' state.

The endorsing bodies included the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF) from Belgium, the European Bangladesh Forum representing both the EU and UK, the Working Group Bangladesh from Germany, the Earth Civilisation Network, and the global coalition Freedom and Justice Alliance.

“The 75-year-old freedom fighter Shahriar Kabir has been afflicted with multiple health issues for an extended period and requires a wheelchair for mobility. Since his detention, his weight has alarmingly decreased, making it increasingly difficult for him to stand. Despite numerous requests, he has not received the essential medications or appropriate treatment. Following his transfer from Dhaka Central Jail to Keraniganj, his condition remains unchanged,” quoted Bangladesh’s prominent Bengali daily Prothom Alo from the joint statement.

Local media reports indicate that Kabir has been incarcerated since September 2024 in connection with a murder charge.

Expressing substantial concern, the statement pointed out that former minister and Awami League member Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun reportedly passed away in custody during the previous interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, with over one hundred prisoners having died in similar circumstances during that time.

"The life of Shahriar Kabir is currently in grave and immediate jeopardy," the statement emphasized.

The signatories urged the Government of Bangladesh to take three prompt actions: release Kabir along with all elderly or vulnerable inmates, provide urgent medical assistance to incarcerated individuals, and ensure that all prisons nationwide comply with international human rights and humanitarian standards.

"The life of Shahriar Kabir transcends mere justice—it epitomizes our collective humanity. His safety and liberation would reinforce Bangladesh's adherence to the principles established in 1971 and the rule of law," asserted the organizations.

Moreover, it was noted that international human rights organizations have raised alarms regarding this matter, with the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention on January 5 labeling Kabir's detention as a serious violation of Bangladesh's international legal obligations, as reported by another leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had previously deemed Kabir's detention as arbitrary, unlawful, and punitive, calling for his immediate release, appropriate compensation, and an independent investigation. However, the former Yunus-led interim government failed to act in accordance with these recommendations.