UN declares Detention of Shahriar Kabir arbitrary and unlawful

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London: The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has condemned the ongoing detention of Bangladeshi writer and human rights defender Shahriar Kabir, describing it as arbitrary and unlawful. Shahriar Kabir has been held since September 2024, with the UN citing violations of fair trial standards, suppression of freedom of expression and discriminatory practices.

The report criticises the Bangladeshi government for pursuing politically motivated charges against Shahriar Kabir, highlighting a lack of due process and a failure to ensure his safety. The UN has called for his immediate release, along with reparations and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his detention.

This development raises concerns over human rights abuses in Bangladesh and underscores the need for international oversight to ensure the country respects fundamental freedoms. The UN has urged the Bangladeshi authorities to comply with international human rights standards and to allow independent monitoring of the situation.