New York, Dec 9 (NationPress) A US-based press freedom organization has reached out to the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, expressing deep concern over the detention of four journalists facing murder allegations.

This correspondence comes just before International Human Rights Day, to be observed on Wednesday. The organization asserts that the claims against these journalists lack credible evidence and seem to be a reaction to their reporting and perceived political connections.

In the letter, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlighted alarming conditions reported by the families of the imprisoned journalists at Kashimpur Prison in the Gazipur district, raising significant human rights issues.

"They are confined in cramped 36-square-foot (3.34 square meters) cells with metal bars instead of doors, making them vulnerable to cold conditions and mosquito infestations. Their sleeping arrangements consist of a bare concrete floor, devoid of mattresses, while the prison-provided food is often insufficient and unpalatable. Medical attention is grossly inadequate: there is no permanent doctor on site, routine medical tests are unavailable, and inmates receive medication solely from their families. Those suffering from severe health issues—like cancer, diabetes, heart ailments, and sleep apnea—have gone months without care," the letter detailed.

The CPJ pointed out that since Yunus assumed office on August 8 last year, new murder charges have been leveled against all four journalists, namely Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta, who are still imprisoned in Bangladesh.

The organization claims these journalists have consistently been denied bail, while ZI Khan Panna, an attorney representing some of them, has also faced murder charges.

"The right to freedom of speech and expression is enshrined in Article 39 of Bangladesh's constitution and is supported by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Bangladesh has ratified. The judiciary has consistently acknowledged the essential role of an independent media in fostering democratic institutions and accountability. It is imperative for Bangladeshi authorities to honor both national and international human rights commitments," the CPJ emphasized.

The organization urged Yunus to recognize International Human Rights Day by ensuring that all journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh can reunite with their families and resume their professional duties.

"It is crucial for all political factions to uphold journalists' rights to report freely as the nation gears up for elections in February next year," it concluded.