From Dhaka to Iran, Solidarity

Adam's children are limbs of one another,
Who, in their creation, are from one essence.
If one day a limb is pained,
The other limbs cannot remain at peace.
You who are unmoved by the suffering of others;
Let it not be that they name you "Human".
~ Sheikh Saadi (1271-1294)

We students, writers, scholars and citizens of Bangladesh are writing because we cannot, in good conscience, remain indifferent to events that have unfolded in Iran since elections were held in the country on June 12th. This election was marred by systematic irregularities and a pattern of dishonest dealings with the Iranian electorate. In this light we stand side by side with our sisters and brothers in Iran in demanding that the government accede to demonstrators call for fresh elections monitored by international observers and free of intimidation, coercion and violence.

Moreover, we are outraged by the authorities use of violent force against peaceful demonstrators that resulted in the deaths and injury of countless unarmed civilians in the past few days. These actions include a midnight raid on student dormitories in Isfahan and beating and firing live ammunition at students in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Tabriz.

We are further outraged by the governments sweeping arrest and detention of hundreds of reformist activists whose only crime was to voice their political views and we demand the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience in the country. These individuals are being held without trial and without charge.

We declare unequivocally that, whatever our view of the political situation that is unfolding in Iran, we condemn the abuses of power there just as we would in our own country. To our fellow activists in Iran, fighting for freedom and justice, know that Bangladesh is full of those who salute and support you and are inspired by your courage.