Canadian Committee of Human Rights and Democracy in Bangladesh
725 Boughton Crescent, Milton, ON L9T 0E5 Tel: 289 878 8943
CCHRDB demands release Sheikh Hasina and withdrawal of ban on politics in Bangladesh
Speakers at a meeting of Canadian Bangladeshis sent a strong
message to the Government of Bangladesh demanding release of Sheikh Hasina,
ex-PM and other 'Prisoners of Conscience' from detention. They also voiced
their concern at the deteriorating human rights and democratic condition
in Bangladesh. "The present Care Taker Government is bypassing public
mandate of holding a free and fair election and instead rapidly progressing
to implement a grand design to install military rule" one speaker
observed. The meeting was held on August 5 at Legion Hall, 9 Dawes Road,
Toronto and organized by Canadian Committee of Human Rights and Democracy
in Bangladesh (CCHRDB). The meeting urged global expatriate Bangladeshi
communities to unite and coordinate their movements for restoration of
fundamental human rights and democracy in Bangladesh. Speakers also voiced
their regret at the insignificant progress made by this government for
holding a general election. Comments and activities of few advisers of
the Caretaker Government were criticized, which have eroded public confidence
on this interim Government. Dr. Mozammel Haq Khan, an academic and convener
of CCHRDB, in his keynote speech expressed deep concern at the abysmal
condition of human rights in Bangladesh and condemned the systematic attack
of this government to dismantle democratic institutions in Bangladesh.
The meeting was largely attended by the Bangladeshi Canadians living in
Ontario representing different cultural, political and social forums.
The meeting adopted series of strongly worded resolutions which included
immediate release of Sheikh Hasina, to ensure free and public trial of
all prisoners of conscience, immediate withdrawal of emergency act and
ban on political activities, holding of general election in the shortest
possible time.
Press Release, CCHRDB
