Global civil society groups urge PM Tarique to release Shahriar Kabir

A coalition of European and global civil society organisations has urged the Bangladesh government to immediately release human rights activist Shahriar Kabir, citing serious concerns over his deteriorating health while in custody.

The joint appeal was issued by a coalition that includes the South Asia Democratic Forum, European Bangladesh Forum, Working Group Bangladesh, Earth Civilisation Network, and the Freedom and Justice Alliance.

It was led by Paulo Casaca, executive director of the South Asia Democratic Forum; Chris Blackburn; Klaus Strempel; Tarık Günersel; and ABM Nasir, on behalf of European and global civil society organisations.

In the joint statement, the signatories said safeguarding Kabir’s life “is not only a matter of justice, but also a test of shared humanity,” adding that his protection would reflect Bangladesh’s commitment to the values of 1971 and the rule of law.

The organisations urged the government to immediately release Shahriar and other elderly or vulnerable detainees, ensure urgent medical care, and uphold international human rights standards in detention facilities.

In an urgent appeal addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the organisations called for Shahriar’s immediate release and access to proper medical care, warning that his life could be at risk if urgent steps are not taken.

Shahriar Kabir, 75, a journalist, author and freedom fighter, is reportedly suffering from multiple chronic illnesses and relies on a wheelchair. According to the appeal, his health has rapidly declined since his arrest, with reports indicating significant weight loss and increasing difficulty standing.

The organisations said that despite repeated requests, He has allegedly been denied essential medication and adequate medical treatment. His transfer to Dhaka Central Jail Keraniganj has not improved his condition, they added.

International human rights institutions have also expressed concern over the detention. The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention condemned Kabir’s detention on 5 January 2026, describing it as a violation of Bangladesh’s international legal obligations.

Earlier, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in its opinion, declared Kabir’s detention arbitrary and unlawful, and called for his immediate release, compensation, and an independent investigation.

The civil society groups said concerns have intensified following the death in custody of former minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun during the interim government period. They also cited reports of more than 100 detainees dying in custody due to inadequate medical treatment.

“The risk to Mr Kabir’s life is both clear and imminent,” reads the statement.