Urgent Action: BLOGGER ARBITRARILY DETAINED DESPITE BAIL (Bangladesh 54.24)

Selim Khan is an atheist blogger from Bangladesh. He was part of a private Facebook group for like-minded atheists where he expressed his views privately. Another member photographed his comment and shared it publicly, causing public agitation. A ruling party member then filed a case against him “under the newly enacted Cyber Security Act and the Penal Code”. Selim was arrested on November 4, 2023 and was refused bail repeatedly even though these were bailable offenses. He was finally granted bail on March 13, 2024 but he remains in jail due to procedural delays. Selim must be released immediately and unconditionally. 

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: August 5, 2024

take action:

• Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
• Click here to let us know the actions you took on Urgent Action 54.24. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.

contact information:

sample letter:

Dear Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina / Your Excellency,

Blogger, Selim Khan, was granted bail on March 13, 2024, but it is deeply concerning that he is yet to be released from jail. According to Judicial authorities he has not been released yet due to an extreme delay in drafting the bail sentencing. The normal procedure would only take 3-4 days. The delay in ensuring his release on bail appears to be an additional form of punishment. 

Selim is known as an atheist blogger in his community and was arrested over a comment he posted on a private Facebook group in early November 2023.

I urge you to drop all charges against Selim Khan and ensure he is released immediately and unconditionally as these stem solely from the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief. I also urge you to amend the Cyber Security Act in accordance with international human rights law and standards. Finally, I urge you to immediately and unconditionally release all those detained under the Cyber Security Act and the now repealed Digital Security Act who have been charged solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

Yours sincerely, 

[YOUR NAME]

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