US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan Mozena and representatives of foreign missions here, including the European Union (EU), on Wednesday visited Odhikar office, and talked to its officials over the evolving issues after its secretary’s arrest.
“Yes, they visited our office in the afternoon and inquired about the overall situation of Odhikar,” Taskin Fahmina, senior researcher and programme coordinator of Odhikar, told UNB over phone.
She also said they inquired about how and why Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman Khan was arrested.
Representatives from Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada and the EU were also present with Mozena while visiting the office in the city, Fahmina added.
Sources said Mozena and others had an hour-long meeting with the Odhikar officials.
On Tuesday, the US government voiced deep concern over the arrest of human rights activist Adilur Rahman Khan and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to immediately release Adil.
“The government of the United States is deeply concerned by the August 10 detention of Adilur Rahman Khan, who is the Secretary of the internationally-respected Bangladeshi human rights organization Odhikar,” Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department Marie Harf said in a statement.
It said the US authorities have reached out to the government of Bangladesh for an explanation, noting that this detention has a chilling effect on Bangladeshi civil society and is reverberating negatively around the world.
Meanwhile, the European Union Delegation issued a statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Missions in Bangladesh urging the authorities to observe due process at all stages of the proceedings against him, and in particular ensure full respect for his human rights.
“We have conveyed our detailed concerns about the detention of Adilur Rahman Khan to the relevant authorities in Bangladesh. It is essential that no harm comes to him. We urge the authorities to observe due process at all stages of the proceedings against him, and in particular ensure full respect for his human rights,” it said.
British high commissioner in Bangladesh Robert Gibson also expressed concern at the arrest of Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman, according to his Sunday’s tweeter post.
The United Nations has also voiced concern over the recent arrest of Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman Khan and urged the government to release him immediately.
Source: UNB Connect
