Asaduzzaman Noor’s portrayal of Baker Bhai in the 90s left an indelible mark on Bangladeshi television, his character’s wrongful imprisonment sparking an outcry that filled the streets of Dhaka. Today, reality mirrors fiction as Noor himself faces a grave injustice. Since 15 September 2024, the 78-year-old cultural icon has been arbitrarily detained without evidence, formal charges, or due process—paying for the crimes of others in a blatant act of political retribution.

Despite his age and deteriorating health, Noor has been repeatedly denied bail and subjected to harsh treatment in court, where both he and his legal team have faced verbal abuse and threats. Deprived of proper medical care, he has been left at the mercy of a system that has refused him even the basic right to a fair investigation.

Noor’s contributions to the arts are immeasurable. He captivated audiences in Humayun Ahmed’s beloved dramas like Bohubrihi, Ayomoy, and Aj Robibar and performed over 600 times in theatre, including in Syed Shamsul Huq’s Nuruldiner Sarajibon. His booming voice and commanding presence made him a legend on stage and screen. Beyond his artistic achievements, Noor is a freedom fighter, a founding member of the Liberation War Museum, and a lifelong advocate for progressive, pluralistic values. It is these beliefs that have now put him at odds with hardline forces benefiting from the current political climate.

The accusations against Noor lack credibility, with glaring factual discrepancies and no plausible connection to the alleged crimes. This has not gone unnoticed. Parliamentarians for Global Action, cultural organizations, and rights groups have all called for his release. Human Rights Watch has also raised concerns over arbitrary arrests and due process failures under the interim government, specifically mentioning Noor’s case in their January report.

The interim government promised a new era for Bangladesh but is resorting to the same oppressive tactics. Justice cannot be served through arbitrary detention, collective punishment, and obstruction of due process. Noor’s continued imprisonment blatantly violates his right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty—a fundamental principle enshrined in international human rights law.

Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads. Will we allow our nation to descend into lawlessness, where artistic expression is stifled, football matches are canceled due to extremism, music festivals are shut down, and intellectuals are persecuted? Or will we stand up for justice and the rule of law?

Years ago, we failed Baker Bhai. Today, we must not fail Asaduzzaman Noor. We demand his immediate release on bail, a fair and transparent investigation, and the protection of his health, dignity, and fundamental rights. Noor has given his life to Bangladesh—it is time for Bangladesh to stand up for him.