AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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FACTS OF THE CASE:

On 18 September 2002, the government of Bangladesh released Dr. Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir, an economist and former cabinet member. The Special Branch of the Bangladesh police force first arrested Dr. Alamgir on 16 March 2002, on charges of "instigating" government officials and employees into joining a demonstration held in Dhaka over six years ago. The rally was a watershed moment in the country and led to the removal of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from power. Elections were held and a secular democratic party took office. Dr. Alamgir served as the Minister of Planning in the new government. However, the BNP returned to power in 2001 and has reportedly launched a campaign against individuals who joined in the demonstrations.

Dr. Alamgir's lawyers had successfully convinced the High Court of Bangladesh that Dr. Alamgir's arrest and detention were illegal. In fact, the Court ruled that the detention was illegal on four separate occasions, each time ordering that Dr. Alamgir be immediately released. However, the government security officials came up with excuses to keep the economist in jail. On one occasion, the government refused to accept the Court's orders because they were delivered by hand and not by mail.

The High Court then took an unprecedented step and issued an ultimatum to the government demanding that it release Dr. Alamgir or risk having the High Court itself free him by force. The government released Dr. Alamgir only one hour before the court ordered deadline was set to expire.

According to Dr. Alamgir's son, Jalal, who is a visitng fellow at Brown University, his father is "weak, having lost about 40 lbs, and [is] in a hospital now. But he is in high spirits and recuperating well." On behalf of his family, Jalal thanks everyone who sent appeal letters. He recently wrote, "I, along with my family, am very grateful for all the support you have given us these past few months through this ordeal. Thank you!"

(Source of information for this case is Dr. Alamgir's son, Jalal, who maintains a website on the case: http://www.banglapolitics.com.)

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

No action is necessary at this time. Many thanks to all those who sent appeal letters.

Please send copies of your appeals, and any responses you may receive, or direct any questions you may have to Victoria Baxter, AAAS Science and Human Rights Program, 1200 New York Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20005; tel. 202-326-6797; email vbaxter@aaas.org; or fax 202-289-4950.

The keys to effective appeals are to be courteous and respectful, accurate and precise, impartial in approach, and as specific as possible regarding the alleged violation and the international human rights standards and instruments that apply to the situation. Reference to your scientific organization and professional affiliation is always helpful.

To ensure that appeals are current and credible, please do not continue to write appeals on this case after 90 days from the date of the posting unless an update has been issued.

To verify the contents of this alert and/or the electronic signature, please download the signed file for this alert along with the Program's PGP Public Key.

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