Browse Sections

• Education
• Business
• Blog
• Special reports

Fight for justice goes on

4/ 7/2008

A POPULAR TV personality who was brutally attacked at Dhaka airport said he will return to Bangladesh to give evidence against his attackers providing the authorities allow him to bring along an official UK delegation.

During a recent visit to the Oldham Muslim Centre (OMC), Channel S presenter Rizwan Hussain told a 400 strong audience that he has asked the Bangladesh Government to allow him to take delegation of six high profile people to ensure a fair trial.

This includes the UK’s first female Muslim peer at the House of Lords, Baroness Pola Uddin and two prominent UK based JPs.

He has also asked for his travel expenses to be paid for and assurances that the hearing will not take longer than three days.

Mr Hussain, who was badly beaten and left with a broken arm and leg by five airport staff after entering a restricted area at Dhaka Airport to help a woman and her daughter who had problems with their tickets, said he had also requested for his evidence to be heard in the UK.

He said: "If anyone understands the Bangladeshi judicial system, will know that a trial may take up to several weeks which I can’t spare especially when my safety is at risk. They can make it a long and difficult process as it’s already.

"Under current Bangladeshi legislation, I have asked the relevant authorities to allow me to have my evidence heard in the UK but this request has been completely ignored.

"The judge, the officers involved in the attack and even the lawyers in Bangladesh are all from a military background, and I can safely say that a fair trial in my favour seems unlikely which is why it’s important for me to take a delegation with me."

Despite the set-backs, Mr Hussain has vowed to carry on with his fight for justice and thanked the Bangladeshi community in the UK and elsewhere for their overwhelming help and support.

He said: "Every time a demonstration has been held, the longer the response from the Bangladeshi government has been in replying back to my calls or letters.

"This goes to show they are aware of the strong support that I am receiving not only on the UK, but in Europe, the US and Australia.

"Their have been many protest meetings and petitions signed and this is all helping the cause."

As well as updating the audience about his ordeal, Mr Hussain helped raise much-needed funds for the Oldham Muslim Centre before meeting with local businessmen, community leaders and local councillors.

Said Mr Hussain: "The Oldham Muslim centre is doing a great job in the community. It was my second visit to the centre and I thank the volunteers and staff for not only supporting me but for the wonderful work they are carrying out."

OMC fundraising officer, Nanu Miah added: "There was a strong demand from the local people to hear from Mr Hussain himself about what happened in Bangladesh and to get an update on his situation.

"We had people who had travelled from as far as Wales to come and see him. We were pleased to have Mr Hussain visit our centre and talk to the local community.

"At the same time Mr Hussain did what he does best - to fundraise - and spent an afternoon collecting donations for the centre."