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Notes From a Prison : Bangladesh

AuthorMuhiuddin Khan Alamgir
PublisherThe University Press Limited
Publisher2009
Publisherx
Publisher402 p,
ISBN9848815021

Contents: Preface. 1. Background. 2. Kashimpur Jail. 3. Investigation and arraignment. 4. The charges. 5. Prosecution witnesses. 6. My statement. 7. Defense witnesses. 8. Arguments: prosecution. 9. Arguments: defense. 10. Jail: After verdict. 11. The judgement: aftermath. 12. Appeal: thereafter. 13. Life in Kashimpur Jail. 14. In the hospital. 15. Kashimpur again. 16. Solitary confinement. 17. In hospital again 18. Bail and freedom. Index.

"Notes From a Prison : Bangladesh is an account of a courageous man who has boldly faced every adversary which aimed to destroy him or his will to fight back. Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir was first jailed in 2002 for seven months, was made to starve, and tortured by his political opponents.

Subsequently, Dr. Alamgir was again picked up in the middle of the night by the military backed Government\'s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on February 2, 2007, without any warrant or charges drawn up against him. He was jailed by the government and was at times put in solitary confinement. Alamgir explains that his ordeal was due to his refusal to testify against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for charges they intended to draw up against her. However, other charges of corruption were drawn up against him and he was convicted by a Kangaroo Court and sentenced to a total of thirteen years rigorous imprisonment. 

The 2007-2008 travesty of justice against a man of high integrity reveals the depth of cynicism to which powerful and corrupt people can sink in satisfying their greed. This is a book which should touch the conscience of the readers. It provides a deep reflection on the nature of cowardice and courage, and is enlivened by a pungent commentary on life and literature.

Fortunately, during his confinement, Alamgir, organized to read several books, some of which have touched his soul and sharpened his judgement of human nature. The books reviewed by him include: Robert Harrises Pompeii; Dava Sobel\'s Galileo\'s Daughter; Anne Enright\'s The Gathering; Craig Nelson\'s Thomas Paine; Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz\'s Children of the Alley; and Bangladeshi novelist Tahmima Anam\'s A Golden Age.

Alamgir\'s book is a must read for those committed to a fair and just world, a world where everyone\'s dignity and rights are equally respected." (jacket)

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