Rights organisations, US condemn Adilur's arrest

Expressing concern and condemning the arrest of Odhikar Secretary Adilur Rahman Khan on Saturday, different human rights and political organisations and the US yesterday demanded that he be released immediately through proper legal procedures.
National Human Rights Commission hoped that all quarters would be aware so that Adilur's rights were not violated and he gets proper justice.
Ain o Salish Kendra said such arrests would negatively affect the independent works of human rights activists and their security and demanded that the government ensures Adilur's safety and security in police custody.
Terming freedom of expression as the key tool for good governance and democracy, Transparency International Bangladesh urged the government to refrain from such activities and behave responsibly with arrestees.
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development expressed concerned over Adilur's physical security. “The government must swiftly remedy the situation and provide an enabling and safe environment for the legitimate work of human rights defenders,” it said.
The other organisations include Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Human Rights Forum, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances, Doctors Association of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, Islami Chhatra Shibir and Islami Oikya Jote. American Center Director Viraj LeBailly commented that in a democracy, it was essential that the government create an environment where organisations like Odhikar can freely operate.
“We have reached out to the government for an explanation of Adil's detention, noting that the human rights activist's detention is reverberating negatively around the world, where the work of Odhikar and other human rights organisations is widely appreciated,” she said.