US rights group urges Bangladesh to stop persecuting activists

A US based rights group has urged the Bangladesh to immediately stop legal proceedings against two prominent activists with 'Odhikar', a leading human rights group in the country.
The authorities should release Nasiruddin Elan, the group's director, who was denied bail and jailed in Dhaka on November 6, Human Rights Group said.
Adilur Rahman Khan, the group's secretary, is also facing charges.
It said adding that the cases were brought against the activists for their reporting on human rights abuses by government security forces, and therefore violate freedom of expression.
"The Bangladeshi authorities should be investigating the security force abuses that Odhikar reported on, not filing cases that violate rights against the messengers," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

He further said that the charges against Elan and Khan appear to be an effort to silence critics, particularly ahead of the Bangladesh national elections.
Both are charged under section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act (ICT Act), Odhikar told Human Rights Watch.