Artists at Risk Connection, a New York-based group dedicated to assisting imperilled artistes, on Thursday called for the immediate release of musician and rapper, Hannan Hossain Shimul, who was arrested on July 25 in Narayanganj.
Hannan was placed on a two-day remand for his song, 鈥楢waaz Utha鈥�, on the student movement demanding quota reform in government jobs.
鈥楢waaz Utha鈥�, released on July 18 on Facebook and YouTube, received over eight lakh views and is currently the 5th track on YouTube鈥檚 trending list. 聽
In the statement, the ARC condemned Hannan鈥檚 arrest amidst ongoing protests and escalating violence in Bangladesh.
鈥楬annan鈥檚 arbitrary arrest is the most recent in a series of brutal and systematic attacks on free expression in Bangladesh,鈥� said Adam Shapiro, senior manager of International Programs at ARC.
鈥楾he lack of transparency surrounding his arrest further compounds the utter disregard to due process and basic human rights that has been on display by the Bangladeshi authorities,鈥� Adam Shapiro added, calling for the immediate release of Hannan, and standing in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh as they confront brutal repression by the Bangladeshi security forces.