However, another journalist, Saleem Samad, who was also accused of
conducting "anti-state activities," remains in custody despite a High Court
order to release him on bail. Samad was arrested on November 29 because of
his work with a documentary film crew for Britain's Channel 4 "Unreported
World" series. The filmmakers, who were also arrested in November and
subsequently deported, had interviewed Kabir. (See CPJ's January 6 protest
letter at www.cpj.org.)

Samad and Kabir have reportedly been tortured during their detentions.

"CPJ welcomes Shahriar Kabir's release, but we call on the government to
abide by the High Court's order and immediately release Saleem Samad," said
CPJ executive director Ann Cooper. "We also demand that the government
thoroughly investigate allegations of torture."

At about 5:00 p.m. on January 7, Kabir was released from jail in the
southern city of Chittagong following a High Court order declaring his
detention illegal. He returned last night to the capital, Dhaka.

The High Court has also ordered the release of Samad on bail, asking the
government to present evidence in court showing why Samad's detention should
not be declared illegal. However, government authorities have ignored the
order and are keeping him in custody under the Special Powers Act, which
allows authorities to detain anyone suspected of anti-state activities for
up to 90 days without trial. A hearing is expected later this week.

Kabir, who was arrested on December 8, was also held under the Special
Powers Act.

CPJ is a New York-based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to
safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information about press
conditions in TK, visit www.cpj.org.