Copy of of on-line petition to free Universtiiy Professors in Bangladesh
To: The Honorable Secretary General of United Nations; BAN KI-MOON
Recently, security personnel of Bangladesh picked up five teachers--two at Dhaka University (DU) and three at Rajshahi University (RU) and took them to unspecified places for interrogation. Almost in the same time the plainclothes Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) men held former vice-chancellor of Rajshahi University (RU) Prof Saidur Rahman Khan, convener of RU Progressive Teachers Society Abdus Sobhan and Moloy Kumar Bhowmik, a professor of management from RU.
Professor M. Anwar Hossain, General Secretary of Dhaka University Teachersf Association analyzed (like most other common people of Bangladesh) the reasons for a sudden outbursts of anger across Bangladesh which began after a row between Dhaka University students and some army personnel. It is accused that the army personnel beat up some students resulting in violent protests in all big cities of Bangladesh. Dr Hossain, who is the Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, insisted on an early election in Bangladesh which he believed could bring in peace and stability in the country. He criticized the present caretaker government for inconsistency within the government and the failure to control price. He also claimed that the price hike, loss of job, lack of neutrality in government activities and skepticism about governmentfs sincerity to hold election were the main reasons behind the outbursts. He emphasizes on an early election in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, at least 50 journalists were brutally beaten up by security forces according to the nation's top media association, despite government assurances that the press would not face restrictions.
In addition, cases were filed with different police stations in the capital against 42,000 unidentified people, including students of major universities and colleges of Bangladesh.
We believe, Bangladeshi interim government must respect international human rights standards as it imposes a curfew and curbs demonstration. It is believed that, the demonstrations have come after eight months of emergency rule that has restricted the rights to protest, seek legal action and obtain due process of law.
Finally, WE NEED YOUR ATTENTION, SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO PROTECT THE HUMAN RIGTHTS IN BANGLADESH FROM THE MILITARY BACKED INTERIM GOVT. AND REQUESTING FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF UNIVERSITY TEACHERS.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
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