Call to Action: Urgent Medical Care and Immediate Release of Journalist Shahriar Kabir

Spectrum Rights Observatory (SRO) expresses its utmost concern and unequivocal condemnation regarding the continued arbitrary detention, systemic judicial harassment, and alarming medical deterioration of eminent journalist, author, documentary filmmaker, war crimes researcher and human rights advocate Shahriar Kabir.

Mr. Kabir is known for his pioneering documentation of the 1971 Liberation War atrocities and lifelong defense of secularism in Bangladesh. Previously recognized by Amnesty Internationalas a prisoner of conscience during his 2001 arrest for documenting and reporting on post-election violence against the Hindu minority, Mr. Kabir is once again facing arbitrary detention. He is currently imprisoned on politically motivated and unsubstantiated charges that lack credible, transparent, or verified prima facie evidence. SRO views his ongoing detention as an act of judicial harassment driven by partisan pressure from fundamentalist factions seeking to silence progressive and secular voices in Bangladesh.

SRO strongly condemns the systemic procedural violations, judicial harassment, and severe health risks defining Shahriar Kabir’s ongoing detention since his arrest by the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police shortly after midnight on 17 September 2024. At the time of his arrest, authorities failed to inform Mr. Kabir of the charges or the police station responsible, denying him access to his essential medications and personal belongings. Later that morning, he was produced before the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court without access to legal counsel, where he was exposed to verbal and physical harassment by an aggressive crowd due to a complete failure by authorities to ensure adequate physical protection.

These severe irregularities have been corroborated by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) in its Opinion No. 40/2025. WGAD highlighted significant human rights concerns during court hearings on 17 and 23 September 2024, noting a complete absence of a clear legal basis for his arrest, the failure of authorities to present evidence or specify alleged offenses, and the denial of basic dignity, which included refusing Mr. Kabir’s request to sit in a chair despite his documented mobility needs.

At 75 years of age, Mr. Kabir suffers from severe, chronic medical conditions requiring the use of a wheelchair and specialized daily care. Despite his advanced age and fragile health, he has been repeatedly denied bail, subjected to persistent procedural delays, and kept in prolonged custody through successive and sweeping charges, including allegations of crimes against humanity, in an apparent effort to prolong his incarceration without trial. Reports confirming the continued withholding of proper treatment and essential daily medications place his life in imminent danger. The denial of urgent, specialized medical care to an elderly detainee constitutes a grave violation of Bangladesh’s national laws, international human rights standards, and fundamental obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

SRO Calls Upon the Government of Bangladesh to:

1. Immediate and Unconditional Release: Immediately release Shahriar Kabir and dismiss all politically motivated, unsubstantiated charges brought against him, in accordance with international human rights standards.
2. Guarantee Urgent Specialized Medical Care and Basic Rights: Ensure immediate, unhindered access to specialized medical treatment, personal daily medications, necessary mobility aids (including a wheelchair), legal representation, and family contact while he remains in custody.
3. Investigate Rights Violations and Mistreatment: Conduct an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Kabir’s arrest, his denial of due process, and his reported mistreatment in custody, holding responsible officials accountable.
4. Halt the Weaponization of the Judiciary: Cease the misuse of legal processes, sweeping charges, and extremist-driven pressure used to persecute and silence journalists, authors, civil society advocates, and secular thinkers.
5. Reaffirm International Commitments: Uphold Bangladesh’s obligations under domestic law and international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), by guaranteeing judicial independence, press freedom, and the protection of fundamental civil liberties.

Spectrum Rights Observatory stands in absolute solidarity with Shahriar Kabir, his family, and all arbitrarily detained journalists in Bangladesh, urging national authorities and the international community to take immediate action to secure his release and protect his life.

Issued by Spectrum Rights Observatory