BDG PRESSED ON DUE PROCESS FOR SHOAIB CHOWDHURY

UNCLAS DHAKA 001827

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV BG
SUBJECT: BDG PRESSED ON DUE PROCESS FOR SHOAIB CHOWDHURY


1. (SBU) On April 17, Ambassador raised the Salah Uddin
Shoaib Choudhury case during PACOM Admiral Fallon,s meetings
with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khan and Principal
Secretary Siddique. Ambassador said that Choudhury should be

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accorded due process as guaranteed by Bangladeshi Law.
Ambassador added that the U.S. Congress was watching the case
with interest and that it appeared that Choudhury was being
denied bail because he attempted to travel to a human rights
conference in Israel in December 2003.


2. (SBU) Foreign Minister Khan said that he had already
heard from Bangladeshi Ambassador to the U.S. Shamsher
Chowdhury concerning Congressional and non-governmental
organization interest and would discuss the due process issue
with his cabinet colleagues. He pleaded inability to
influence the courts. Principal Secretary Siddique pledged
to discuss the case with the Prime Minister.


3. (SBU) Comment: The Bangladesh High Court is due to hear
the Chowdhury case again on May 7h. Ambassador and Emboffs
will continue to raise the case with Bangladeshi
interlocutors and asks that State repeat USG concerns about
due process to the Bangladeshi Embassy in Washington.
THOMAS