Bangladesh: University of Dhaka Academic Receives Death Threat

Bangladesh: University of Dhaka Academic Receives Death Threat

NEAR has received reports that Professor Arefin Siddique, Professor of Mass Communications at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, has received several death threats by phone in February 2008. He was apparently told by anonymous callers that he would be killed very soon. Professor Siddique was President of the Dhaka University Teachers Association and has repeatedly called for the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.

	Alert - Bangladesh
	Bangladesh
	Date:	14 Mar 2008
	Source:	NEAR Member
	Source classification:	NEAR member
	Violation(s):	Death Threat

NEAR’s source wishes to remain anonymous as military intelligence officials continue to search for dissenting academics in Bangladesh. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: This news comes just months after the President of Bangladesh pardoned four university teachers, six days after they had been jailed for inciting violent student unrest. The clemency came after several days of silent protests by teachers and students from major universities in the country. Moloy Bhoumik, Selim Reza Newton, Abdullah Al Mamun and Dulal Chandra Biswas from Rajshahi University were the academics released, according to the Daily Star in Bangladesh. NEAR is monitoring the situation closely and will issue an Action Alert when more information is known. URGENT NEAR cannot continue without your support. NEAR depends on the generosity of people like you. To make a contribution, please: - Send us a cheque payable to NEAR - Or make a donation by visiting www.paypal.com. Please make your donation payable to: NEAR London South Bank University Technopark 90 London Road SE1 9LN, London, UK Email address: jonathan.travis@nearinternational.org -END-