The heads of 13 diplomatic missions, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have expressed deep concern over the death of writer Mushtaq Ahmed in prison.
In a joint statement on Friday (February 26), they called on the Bangladesh government to conduct a speedy, transparent and independent investigation into the death of Mushtaq.
They include US Ambassador Earl R. Miller, British High Commissioner Robert Dixon, Canadian High Commissioner Benoit Prefanten, Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrap Petersen, European Union Ambassador Renzi Tirinko, French Ambassador Jean Maritoul Tsusho, German Ambassador Peter Farenhaltz, Italian Ambassador Enriko Nanjiata, Ambassador of the Netherlands Harry Verweis, Ambassador of Norway Aspen Richter Wendsen, Ambassador of Spain Francisco de Aces Benitez, Ambassador of Sweden Alessandra Berg von Linde and Ambassador of Switzerland Natalie Shearer.
They said in the statement that Mushtaq Ahmed had been in jail since May 5 of last year in a case pending under the Digital Security Act. We know that his bail application has been rejected at various times, which has raised questions about his adequate medical treatment while in custody. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. At the same time, we urge the Bangladesh government to look into the whole incident.
Writer Mushtaq Ahmed was lodged in Dhaka Jail on May 6 last year and later in Kashimpur High Security Central Jail on August 24 in connection with the Ramna Model Police Station Digital Security Act case. He fell ill in prison on Thursday night and died after being taken to hospital.
The diplomats' statement expressed concern over the various provisions of the Digital Security Act, saying that there were major concerns about the provisions of the Digital Security Act and its implementation and its compliance with international human rights law and standards, and that we would engage with the government.