Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of journalist Anis Alamgir, arrested under the Anti Terrorism Act. They label the arrest a misuse of counterterror laws to curb free expression ahead of elections. Researcher Rehab Mahamoor said the interim government must follow its international human rights obligations, noting a troubling pattern of targeting perceived Awami League supporters.
Alamgir was detained after a complaint about spreading political propaganda via social media and talk shows. A Dhaka court granted a five-day remand. He identified himself as a journalist who questions power, a role he has filled for twenty years. The amended Anti Terrorism Act, used to ban the Awami League, has been applied against several individuals, including other journalists.
The Committee to Protect Journalists also demanded his unconditional release, condemning the use of terrorism charges against the media. CPJ's Kunāl Majumder stated that detaining a journalist under this law months before an election undermines press freedom. Alamgir, a veteran war correspondent, now faces potential life imprisonment if convicted. CPJ noted a sharp increase in journalist arrests and assaults under security laws in Bangladesh.
Alamgir was detained after a complaint about spreading political propaganda via social media and talk shows. A Dhaka court granted a five-day remand. He identified himself as a journalist who questions power, a role he has filled for twenty years. The amended Anti Terrorism Act, used to ban the Awami League, has been applied against several individuals, including other journalists.
The Committee to Protect Journalists also demanded his unconditional release, condemning the use of terrorism charges against the media. CPJ's Kunāl Majumder stated that detaining a journalist under this law months before an election undermines press freedom. Alamgir, a veteran war correspondent, now faces potential life imprisonment if convicted. CPJ noted a sharp increase in journalist arrests and assaults under security laws in Bangladesh.
