December 24, 2001

To

Her Excellency Khaleda Zia

Prime Minister, People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Office of the Prime Minister

Dhaka, Bangladesh

RE: Unconditional Release of Mr. Shahriar Kabir

Dear Prime Minister,

The Human Right Congress for Bangladesh Minorities- Dallas/Fort Worth (HRCBM-DFW) has been following with great concern the sequence of events following the arrest and detention of the renowned journalist, author and human right activist Mr. Shahriar Kabir. Authorities arrested Mr. Shahriar Kabir on November 22, 2001, when he returned to Bangladesh after visiting West Bengal and witnessing himself and documenting the plight of the Bangladeshi Hindu minorities who had fled their motherland to save their lives in the wake of the indescribable atrocities inflicted upon the minority community following the October 1, 2001, election.

Since his arrest under Bangladesh Special Power Act, Mr. Kabir has been confined in darkness, denied access to any attorney and visitation by his family and friends, and all the documents, videos and intellectual properties has been confiscated. These activities of your government have violated the basic human rights, liberty and freedom of expression of a journalist and conscious citizen.

Mr. Shahriar Kabir has a long bright history of standing with courage by the side of the oppressed against all kinds of repression and violation of basic human rights. We remember with pride his dedication, commitment and sacrifice in mobilizing the people under the leadership of Shahid Janani Jahanara Imam against the anti-liberation forces that still exist in Bangladesh. He is a voice of conscience of our time. He has all the right to document and publish the sufferings of the fellow citizens of Bangladesh. His actions and efforts have always been a vital force in creating awareness among the people, which help identify the anti-social and anti-liberation forces. Bangladesh needs courageous citizens and thinkers like Mr. Shahriar Kabir to protect life and liberty and guarantee freedom of expression against social injustice and to create communal harmony.

Peace and freedom loving people all over the world have expressed their grave concern on the well-being and security of Mr. Kabir.

We, on behalf of the HRCBM-DFW, urge you to order your government authorities to immediately drop all charges against Mr. Shahriar Kabir, release him unconditionally and return all his documents, videos and personal properties confiscated at the time of arrest.

Sincerely,

President,

Human Right Congress for Bangladesh Minorities-Dallas/Fort Worth (HRCBM-DFW)

P.O. Box 117080

Carrollton, TX 75011-7080, USA