International Coalition Appeals for Immediate Bail of Ailing Writer Shahriar Kabir

An international coalition of human rights organisations and genocide scholars has formally appealed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to grant immediate bail to 75-year-old writer and filmmaker Shahriar Kabir on humanitarian grounds.

The joint letter, dated March 12 and led by Genocide Watch and the Alliance Against Genocide, expressed serious concern over Kabir’s continued detention and his deteriorating health condition inside Dhaka Central Jail.

In the appeal, Kabir was described as an internationally recognised advocate for religious pluralism and minority rights. Over the years, he has authored numerous books focusing on human rights, peace, and social justice.

The coalition noted that his imprisonment has drawn global concern, particularly because of multiple murder-related charges and allegations of crimes against humanity filed against him.

According to the letter, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled in October 2025 that Kabir’s imprisonment was arbitrary and violated the International Bill of Human Rights.

Signatories also pointed out that Kabir suffers from several chronic illnesses. While in detention, he reportedly experienced two mini-strokes and now requires the use of a wheelchair.

Human rights groups further claimed that prison conditions have worsened, alleging that he has been denied wheelchair access and proper medical care, which has contributed to a rapid decline in his health.

The coalition urged the Bangladeshi government to respect its obligations under international human rights conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Nelson Mandela Rules governing the treatment of prisoners.

Among the high-profile signatories are Dr Gregory H Stanton of Genocide Watch, the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, and the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention.

Individual endorsements also came from exiled writer Taslima Nasrin, members of PEN International, and dozens of scholars and human rights advocates from the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.

The appeal concluded with a call for all legal proceedings related to Kabir’s cases to fully uphold the principles of due process, rule of law, fairness, and humanitarian consideration.