Referring to the recent hospitalisation of some under-trial prisoners in case of specific ailments, the activists in a letter said that the government should make such arrangements for others who are suffering from serious illness.

Advocate Sultana Kamal of Ain O Salish Kendra, Shaheen Anam of Manusher Jonno Foundation, researcher Dr Hameeda Hossain, Farida Akhter of UBINIG, Begum Shamsun Nahar of Nari Pakkho and Dr Naila Khan of Sommilito Nari Samaj signed the letter.

"In particular, we would like the government to take cognisance of some of the persons who need immediate medical treatment such as Sigma Huda, who is suffering from diabetes, heart and kidney problems and Sabera Aman, who has breast cancer."

Because of these serious complaints they need immediate medical treatment, but have not been given hospitalised care, the letter said.

Assuring the government that their appeal is based purely on humanitarian ground, they said, "We believe that law should take its course and justice prevail equally for everyone."