THE LATEST FROM INSIDE BANGLADESH
by Richard Benkin
The American Jewish Committee will recognize Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury's efforts at its 100th Anniversary convention in May with its 2006 Moral Courage Award. Shoaib is being recognized for his extraordinary courage and sacrifices in support of human rights and peace, and for his continuing fight against extremism in all its forms.
Recipient also of PEN USA's 2005 Freedom to Write Award, Shoaib continues to face false sedition charges by the Bangladesh government, which holds his passport in abeyance. We are working tirelessly to have them dropped in the name of Justice, and so Shoaib can visit the US to receive his award and tour other American cities. Those interested in interviews and articles should contact Dr. Richard Benkin. Also read Shoaib's Weekly Blitz. PREVIOUS UPDATES
You can be champion for justice. Sign a petition to free Shoaib. Send protest letters to US, Bangladesh, and other leaders. Stay informed on the issue here and read the latest news,
details of his ordeal, articles about Shoaib, and his article on radical Islam. You can leave messages for him and his and his family to strengthen their spirits and remind them that they are not alone, despite the lack of due process and other rights.
Read the poem Shoaib wrote in prison and the speech he was to have delivered in Israel--the same speech police leaks cited as "evidence" of sedition. They have not released it, but we have so you can read it for yourself. Decide if any society calling itself democratic would deny an individual's freedom and possibly his life based on it. You can also read Dr. Benkin's Dear Bangladesh about a role for Bangladesh in bringing Mid-East peace. Published in Bangladesh, reprinted worldwide, it sparked debate in media and government. To request Dr. Benkin as a speaker or for an article by him, contact us. By visiting this site, you already have made a difference.
 
International effort to free Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury.
Dr. Richard L. Benkin, Chair.