Where's the Freedom for Workers in Bangladesh?

Please send a letter today to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh insisting on: the reinstatement of Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity's NGO status, the release of Kalpona Akter and Babul Akhter, and a cease to all harassment against BCWS.

Subject:

Your Letter:

I am deeply concerned by the unjust detentions of Kalpona Akter and Babul Akhter on August 13 and of Aminul Islam on June 16, in apparent retaliation against their work to protect the rights of laborers in Bangladesh. I am also writing to urge your government to restore the Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity’s (BCWS) status as a non-governmental organization by allowing it to keep its registration with the NGO Affairs Bureau (NAB).

It is my understanding that BCWS, Ms. Akter, Mr. Akhter, and Mr. Islam have been accused of inciting worker unrest.  However, BCWS is an internationally known and well-respected advocate for workers’ rights with a strong record in credible research and professionalism.  The actions against BCWS call to question the sincerity of the Bangladeshi government to follow through on its commitments to improve labor rights.

I respectfully call upon your government to:

1. Immediately release Ms. Akter and Mr. Akhter.
2. Immediately withdraw the cancellation letter of June 3, 2010, and restore BCWS’s NGO registration.
3. Investigate Mr. Islam’s detention and torture and hold those individuals responsible accountable and ensure they pay appropriate reparation.
4. Ensure Mr. Islam receives the medical treatment he needs.
5. Provide all BCWS staff members with assurances of their safety.
6. Instruct the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka to desist from seizing the office and property of BCWS.
7. Instruct the Manager of the Mercantile Bank to desist from freezing the BCWS bank account.

BCWS is a vital voice for labor rights in Bangladesh. I am disturbed to see that local efforts to improve conditions for workers are being met with intimidation and repression by the government. I hope that you will resolve this situation immediately and recommit yourself to allowing labor rights organizations to operate freely without fear of reprisal.

Regards,