Nomination of Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan for the Nobel Peace Prize: Champions of Human Rights in Bangladesh

Dear Nobel Peace Prize Committee,
I am William Nicholas Gomes, a British human rights defender and freelance journalist based in York, North Yorkshire, UK. I write to you today to nominate Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan for the Nobel Peace Prize. Their unwavering commitment to upholding human rights in the face of adversity has left an indelible mark, both in Bangladesh and on the global stage.

Adilur Rahman Khan is an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, a former Deputy Attorney General for Bangladesh, and a founder and the Secretary of the human rights organization, Odhikar. During his time as a Law student at Dhaka University, he actively participated in the movement to establish democracy during the military rule of Lieutenant General Hossain Mohammad Ershad. He holds Masters in Law degrees from both Dhaka University in Bangladesh and Vrije Universitiet, Brussel in Belgium. Adilur, alongside several esteemed members of civil society, founded Odhikar on October 10, 1994. Since its formation, the organization has vigilantly documented extensive human rights violations in Bangladesh, ranging from extrajudicial killings to violence against women. Adilur has emerged as a beacon of hope in Bangladesh's human rights community, creating a network of rights defenders throughout the country and leading Odhikar in its relentless efforts to monitor and report on a myriad of human rights abuses. Despite the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh since 2012, with the government stifling dissent and consolidating power, Adilur remains steadfast in his mission. His unyielding commitment to human rights has been met with challenges; he has encountered restrictions on foreign funds for Odhikar's initiatives and faces ongoing governmental scrutiny. Yet, he perseveres as an indomitable human rights activist. As Kerry Kennedy aptly expressed, "From exposing the government's role in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings to successfully campaigning for Bangladesh's first law against torture, Adil has courageously fought to protect human rights, even when faced with severe personal threats."

ASM Nasiruddin Elan stands as the Director of Odhikar, advancing its mission to amplify human rights awareness. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding Odhikar's exhaustive fact-finding reports and advocacy efforts. Regrettably, after Odhikar’s 2013 publication detailing extrajudicial killings during a protest, Elan experienced arbitrary detention alongside Adilur Rahman. In 2022, the Government’s NGO Affairs Bureau rejected Odhikar’s renewal application, citing the organization’s critical publications. And more recently, in September 2023, Elan and Adilur were handed prison sentences and fines by the Dhaka Cyber Tribunal.

It is my firm belief that Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan's monumental efforts in advancing peace, justice, and human rights deserve international recognition. In the face of formidable challenges, their unyielding spirit and dedication to the cause stand out. Their resilience, commitment, and significant contributions to the human rights milieu make them deserving recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Sincerely,
William Nicholas Gomes
Human Rights Defender & Freelance Journalist