PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH: Release photographer and end violent crackdown on student protests

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11 Aug 2018
[International Secretariat]
Region: PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH
Topic:

The Bangladeshi authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Shahidul Alam, a well-known photographer and activist, who was detained by policemen on 5 August 2018 after giving an interview to Al-Jazeera English on the current wave of student protests in Dhaka, Amnesty International said today.

At least 115 students were injured over the weekend as the police resorted to unnecessary force, including firing rubber bullets and tear gas at thousands of overwhelmingly peaceful student protestors. The students also came under attack from pro-government counter-demonstrators.

“Shahidul Alam must be immediately and unconditionally released. There is no justification whatsoever for detaining anyone for solely peacefully expressing their views. His arrest marks a dangerous escalation of a crackdown by the government that has seen the police and vigilantes unleash violence against student protestors,” said Omar Waraich, Amnesty International’s Deputy South Asia Director.

“ The students have a right to peaceful assembly and physical security. These rights should be respected and protected, and there should be an immediate and effective investigation into the use of force by police, the violent actions of pro-government vigilantes and why the police did nothing to stop them.”

Thousands of Bangladeshi students have taken to the streets of Dhaka to demand safer roads after two teenagers were killed and 13 others injured while waiting at a bus stop outside a college when a speeding bus hit them.

Shahidul Alam, the photographer who was detained has not thus far been charged with any offence. There are fears that he could be charged under Bangladesh’s draconian Information Communication Technology Act, which is inconsistent with international legal standards for the protection of the right to freedom of expression.

Under international human rights law and standards, law enforcement officials must apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms under restraint.

“As Bangladesh heads towards elections later this year, it is crucial that the government adheres to its international obligations, including the protection of the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and security of persons,” said Omar Waraich.

6 August 2018
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE

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