Michael Polak comments on the release of political prisoners in Bangladesh

Michael Polak has provided comment in BBC News on the release of a number of political prisoners in Bangladesh held by the former regime, specifically his client, Bangladeshi lawyer Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the dissolution of parliament.

Michael, who has represented Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem since his enforced disappearance by Bangladeshi security services in 2016, said: “Mir Ahmad and his family are delighted that he has, after eight long years, finally been released. There were many points during his detention that he was feared dead, and the uncertainty was one of the many tools of repression utilised by the regime. We hope that the decision by the interim leaders of the country to release political prisoners held by the previous regime so rapidly is a positive sign of their intentions going forward relating to human rights, and that confirming to other families the status of their loved ones will follow tomorrow, as promised”.

Commenting in BBC News, Michael said that “hundreds and hundreds of individuals” had been imprisoned in Bangladesh over the past few years, adding that “unfortunately the good news won’t be shared by all”.

Michael’s comments were published in BBC News, 06 August 2024.