London, Sep 12 (IANS): Bangladeshi authorities should release a human rights activist detained in connection with his work, a coalition of human rights groups said Thursday.
Adilur Rahman Khan, one of Bangladesh's most prominent rights defenders and secretary of Odhikar group, was arrested Aug 10. The public appeal was made in an open letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"Odhikar and Khan have long campaigned against extrajudicial killings, disappearances, torture, and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association, including when members of your party, the Awami League, were being persecuted under the previous caretaker government," the letter said.
"It is sad and ironic that your government is now prosecuting Khan for his work in documenting human rights violations."