OTTAWA’S AID SOUGHT FOR U OF T STUDENT IN DHAKA

The brother of a University of Toronto student detained in Bangladesh since last week’s terrorist attack says he has written to Global Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion to ask for help.

Tahla Khan said his younger brother, 22-year-old Tahmid Hasib Khan, has epilepsy, and worries that the stress of witnessing the deadly café attack in Dhaka, followed by his prolonged detention, will spur seizures and other health problems.

“Whatever he’s seen so far, all the bloodshed, this is taking a toll on him,” said Tahla, 26.

Tahmid was one of 13 people freed after a hostage crisis in which gunmen stormed an upscale café, the Holey Artisan Bakery, in the Bangladeshi capital. The Associated Press reported that 22 people were killed, including at least 18 foreign nationals, while the five assailants were gunned down as security forces entered the café Saturday morning.

Tahmid arrived in Dhaka from Canada on July 1, planning to celebrate Eid with his parents before travelling to complete a summer internship with UNICEF in Nepal, his cousin Rasheek Irtisam told the Star.

Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, claimed responsibility for the attack, though Bangladesh’s home minister has reportedly blamed a domestic Islamist group.

Tahla, who is a Canadian citizen and history student in Toronto, spoke with the Star from the office of his lawyer, Marlys Edwardh, whose practice focuses on human rights and national security litigation. He said his brother was questioned by police immediately after the crisis ended and hasn’t been freed since. Tahmid was able to speak with his family by phone a few times, but hasn’t been able to speak with them in three days. Tahla said they’ve heard “nothing official” about why his brother is still in custody, and has no indication about whether he will face charges.

Edwardh said that, while Tahmid is not a Canadian citizen — his family says he’s a permanent resident — the government should provide consular assistance to ensure he’s in good health and can speak with his family.

So far, she said, there has been no response from Dion’s office to the letter that was sent late Tuesday.

Global Affairs spokesman Austin Jean said in an email that “there are limits to what any country can do for individuals who are not citizens of that country.” He did not expand further, but said staff overseas work according to Canadian consular services guidelines.

“My parents are being patient and they have full faith in the due process,” Tahla said. “We understand why it’s taking time, but it would be great if we had access to him, if my mother could go and talk to him and touch him and kiss him.”