From Benard Sheridan and Co
Sir. The news which came on Monday evening from the Pakistan Government authorities that Sheikh Mujibur Rehmen was to be tried tomorrow prompts us to ask you for the courtesy of your columns so your readers may know more precisely the efforts which have been made by lawyers, on the Sheikh’s behalf, to secure for him a fair trial.

Although Sheikh Mujibur was arrested at the end of March this year, following upon his success at the polis, he has been denied all access to legal advice. As his lawyers we attempted to make con-tact with him through the official channels. We went to see the Pakistan High Commission in London at the beginning of June and at their request wrote a formal request to be allowed to see him. Regrettably we have received neither a reply nor acknowledgment to this request nor indeed to further requests which were subsequently made in person in Pakistan by a member of this firm, accompanying Mr Sean MacBride, SC.

The purpose of the visit was to urge upon the Pakistan authorities that Sheikh Mujibur should be allowed to consult a lawyer of his own choice, that the nature of the charges should be made known to him at the earliest opportunity, that any trial should take place in open court before a civilian tribunal. It appears that our pleas on his behalf have fallen on deaf ears.

It would also appear from what was said to Mr MacBride by the representative of the Pakistan Civilian Authorities that as recently as July 26 no charges had been framed against our client nor had Sheikh Mujibur been allowed access to any lawyer of his choice, foreign or Pakistani. We might also add that Mr MacBride was unable even to ascertain the whereabouts of our client.

This leads us to the conclusion that it is unlikely the Sheikh will be afforded a fair trial in accordance with the minimum standards of natural justice which we sought io obtain from the Pakistan authorities.

Nevertheless it is to be hoped that even at this late hour the Government of Pakistan can be prevailed upon to change its attitude.

Yours faithfully,
BERNARD SHERIDAN and CO,
London. WC1,
August 10.