Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Heather Cruden thursday voiced concern over the arrest of Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary of human rights organisation Odhikar, and demanded his release from detention, reports UNB.
“Canada joins like-minded missions in Bangladesh to urge the government of Bangladesh to release Khan from detention and ensure that he receives fair treatment throughout a transparent judicial process,” she said in a statement.
Cruden said government actions such as Adilur’s arrest could have a chilling effect on the right of all civil society organisations to operate freely in the country. “This is particularly significant in the lead-up to the country’s next general election.”
Earlier on Wednesday, US Ambassador Dan W Mozena and representatives of foreign missions here, including the EU and Canada, visited the Odhikar office and talked to its officials over the evolving issues after Adil’s arrest.
On Tuesday, the US government expressed concern over Adil’s arrest and urged the authorities to release him.
Meanwhile, the EU Delegation in Dhaka issued a statement, urging the authorities to observe due process at all stages of the proceedings against Adil.
