We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the deteriorating condition of Shahriar Kabir, 75, a globally respected humanist, fearless journalist, and celebrated author, who has spent the past twelve months imprisoned in Bangladesh under fabricated murder charges.

Shahriar Kabir has never been affiliated with any political party. He is internationally recognized for his unwavering advocacy on behalf of Bangladesh’s minority communities and for his tireless work documenting and defending the victims of the 1971 Genocide, committed by the Pakistan Army with the support of the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami—today the most dominant backer of the current Interim Government. His arrest on fabricated charges, coupled with ongoing mistreatment in prison, constitutes a deliberate and vindictive attempt to silence a prominent human rights defender. These actions represent a grave violation of his fundamental rights and an affront to justice, demanding immediate international intervention to secure his protection and release.

Recently, Shahriar Kabir was transferred to the notorious Keraniganj Jail, where he is being denied proper medical care, subjected to cruel and degrading treatment, and forced to endure inhumane conditions. His life now hangs by a thread. The urgency of his situation has been underscored by the recent death of Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, a former minister, who died while in custody at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Humayun’s passing is a chilling reminder that medical neglect and abuse in Bangladeshi prisons can be fatal.

Shahriar Kabir’s case is not isolated. Humayun’s tragic death shows us exactly what is at stake if the authorities continue to deny medical treatment to those in their custody. We cannot allow another death behind bars.

We therefore call on:

The Government of Bangladesh to immediately release Shahriar Kabir and, until then, provide urgent and adequate medical care.
International human rights organizations and democratic governments to press Dhaka for accountability and humanitarian action.
Global civil society to amplify this call before it is too late.
Shahriar Kabir’s freedom is not only his right—it is a test of our shared humanity. The world is watching.