European and global civil society organisations have issued an urgent appeal to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, calling for immediate release and medical protection of Shahriar Kabir, a 75 year old journalist, author, freedom fighter, and internationally respected human rights advocate whose health has reportedly deteriorated to a life threatening condition while in state custody.
Shahriar Kabir, who is a wheelchair user with multiple chronic illnesses, has suffered rapid physical decline since his arrest, having lost significant weight and becoming barely able to stand. Despite repeated requests, he has reportedly been denied essential medication and adequate medical care, leading to growing alarm among human rights institutions worldwide. His transfer to Dhaka Central Jail Keraniganj has failed to improve his condition.
International human rights bodies have already raised red flags. The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention condemned his detention on 5 January 2026 as a grave violation of Bangladesh’s obligations under international law. Earlier, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention—in its Opinion No. 40/2025—declared Mr. Kabir’s detention arbitrary, unlawful, and punitive, calling for his immediate release, compensation, and an independent investigation. The previous government did not act on these findings.
Civil society organisations are particularly concerned given the death in custody of former minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun during the Interim Government and reports of more than one hundred detainees dying in custody during that period due to inadequate medical treatment. “The risk to Mr. Kabir’s life is both clear and imminent,” the signatories warned.
The coalition of organisations—including the South Asia Democratic Forum (Belgium), European Bangladesh Forum (EU & UK), Working Group Bangladesh in Germany, Earth Civilization Network, and the global platform Freedom and Justice Alliance—has urged the government to:
1. Immediately release Shahriar Kabir and other elderly or vulnerable detainees,
2. Ensure urgent and adequate medical care, and
3. Uphold international human rights and humanitarian standards in all detention facilities.
“Safeguarding Mr. Kabir’s life is not only a matter of justice—it is a test of our shared humanity,” the signatories stated. “His protection would affirm Bangladesh’s commitment to the values of 1971 and to the rule of law.”
The appeal was led by Paulo Casaca, former Member of the European Parliament and Executive Director of the South Asia Democratic Forum, Chris Blackburn of European Bangladesh Forum, EU & Great Britain, Klaus Strempelof Working Group Bangladesh in Germany, Tarık Günersel of Earth Civilization Network (Global Network) and Prof ABM Nasir of Freedom and Justice Alliance (Global Platform) on behalf of European and global civil society organisations.
