Citizens rally for prompt release of economist Abul Barkat on bail
Prominent Economist and Academician Professor Abul Barkat Faces Health Crisis in Prison
Professor Abul Barkat, a renowned economist, teacher, researcher, and freedom fighter, has been imprisoned since July 2025 on corruption charges filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission. Despite the ongoing trial process, a group of 122 prominent citizens, including academics, activists, and lawyers, have demanded his immediate release and bail, citing concerns about his deteriorating health and the absence of clear evidence against him[1][2][5].
Health Concerns Mount
At 72 years old, Professor Barkat is facing multiple chronic illnesses. He battles heart problems, complications following a stroke, lung disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and high blood pressure. His health requires daily medication, and he undergoes physiotherapy five times weekly due to diabetic neuropathy. He has been hospitalized twice in critical condition for pneumonia[1].
The repeated denial of bail, even though there has been no proper judicial process yet, has prompted calls on humanitarian grounds for his release so he can receive appropriate medical care[1][2]. His arrest reportedly involved a police presence of over 20 officers at his home[3].
Public Outcry
The signatories of the statement highlighted Professor Barkat's serious health complications and expressed deep concern over his imprisonment on allegations of corruption before the trial process began. They find his imprisonment unacceptable due to his simple and principled way of life[6].
The joint statement was issued on August 17, 20XX, and was circulated by Shamsul Huda, Executive Director of Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD)[7]. The statement was circulated widely, drawing attention to the ongoing legal and human rights concerns regarding due process and prisoner welfare for Professor Barkat[1][2][5].
Throughout his career, Professor Barkat served for nearly four decades as a teacher at Dhaka University. He also held the positions of general secretary and later president of the Bangladesh Economic Association[8]. His contributions to the field of economics and his dedication to teaching have left a lasting impact on his students and colleagues.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Arrest date | July 2025 | | Charges | Corruption allegations linked to past tenure | | Bail status | Bail requests denied; immediate release demanded by 122 citizens | | Health conditions | Heart issues, stroke complications, lung disease, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, diabetic neuropathy | | Medical care needed| Daily medication, physiotherapy five times weekly | | Public response | Eminent citizens condemn arrest without trial; call for bail on humanitarian grounds | | Career | Teacher at Dhaka University for nearly four decades; President of the Bangladesh Economic Association |
- The public outcry continues as General-news sources report on the persistent calls for the immediate release of Professor Abul Barkat on health grounds, citing his deteriorating condition despite being imprisoned on corruption charges in the Realm of Politics.
- The ongoing saga of Professor Abul Barkat's arrest and imprisonment has not only sparked heated political debates but also reached general-news platforms, shedding light on Crime-and-Justice issues, particularly the welfare of prisoners and the need for a fair trial process.
