Statement of Rizwan Hussain on 9th May 2008
At 02.30am Bangladesh Time, Friday 9th May 2008 my father passed away peacefully at home in Hobigonj.
My trip to Bangladesh on 11th April was for the purpose of being by my father’s side during his last days. This trip was cut short by the brutality committed at Dhaka Airport, forcing my return to the UK on 17th April 2008.
The Bangladesh High Commissioner in London- Shofi U Ahmed was requested by Voice for Justice and Bangladesh Human Rights Coalition to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to punitive action.
Shofi U Ahmad, has insofar failed to give this matter any importance, despite being reminded that a conclusion was necessary so that I may travel to visit my father. No assurance for my safe journey to and from Bangladesh has been forthcoming. The High Commissioner through various sources has repeatedly attempted to dim down the situation, hoping the public would eventually forget and give up.
Shofi U Ahmad has clearly shown blatant disregard and proven to be incompetent in his role. His role so far in the UK has been limited to receiving dinner invitations as guest of honour at various community events.
I hold Shofi U Ahmed and his incompetent administration liable for preventing me seeing my father or being besides him in his last moments.
I now ask that Shofi U Ahmad’s incompetence should be addressed and if necessary he should be removed.
End Statement.
