| Writing Guidelines |
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We would really appreciate if you can take a few minutes to send a fax, letter, or email to the Government of Bangladesh. But before you write, here are a few simple rules, adapted from Amnesty International's Letter Writing Guide: (1) Always be polite. This rule is essential and invariable. Your aim is to help a prisoner, not to relieve your own feelings. Governments don't respond to abusive or condemnatory letters (however well deserved). (2) Assume that the government is open to reason and discussion, and write your letter on that basis. (3) Stress Bangladesh's reputation for moderation and justice, to show respect for its constitution and judicial procedures, and to demonstrate an understanding of current difficulties. This will give more scope to point out ways in which the human rights situation can be improved. (4) Our main goal is to ensure due process and legal rights. Please politely request one or more of the following:
(5) Don't be political. Don't give the impression that you are writing because you are ideologically or politically opposed to the government. It is far more effective to stress that your concern is out of respect for basic principles of international law and universal standards of judicial fairness. (6) If you feel comfortable, please explain who you are and what you do. This indicates that the letter is genuine, and also shows that people from varying walks of life are following events in the country concerned. (7) If you have any special interest or link with the country, it is a good idea to mention this in your letter. For instance, you may have visited it or studied its history. (8) BE BRIEF. A simple, one-line letter is adequate and is certainly better than no letter at all. Try not to write more than one to two paragraphs, and please do not exceed one page. Here are some sample letters. Next steps: |
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