by Sumon Corraya

The Anti-Terrorism Law was used against Anis Alamgir for remarks he made in the ongoing election campaign leading up to next February’s vote. In his defence in court, he said: "I question power, I have been doing it for two decades." Catholic journalists and human rights groups are concerned: “This looks like an attempt to suppress the voice of independent journalism.”

 

Dhaka (AsiaNews) – Media professionals from civil society groups and the Church in Bangladesh have expressed deep concerns over the arrest of a prominent journalist, Anis Alamgir, an act that raises serious questions about press freedom in the country.

Intelligence officers took Alamgir into custody at a Dhaka gym around 8:00 pm on 14 December and subsequently charged him under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The arrest occurred despite assurances from the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus that, “Full freedom of the press and expression has already been ensured. We have told everyone, feel free to criticize us. We respect everyone’s opinions. The government is actively considering forming a media commission so that the media can do their work without any hindrance.”[*]

Alamgir's detention has sparked outrage among journalists and human rights groups.

Father Bulbul Augustine Rebeiro, director of the Christian Communications Centre and secretary of the Commission for Social Communications of the Bishops’ Conference, spoke to AsiaNews about it.

“The arrest of journalist Anis Alamgir has alarmed those of us who work in the media,” he explained. “Through this arrest, investigative journalists will feel embarrassed and extremely cautious in choosing their words. Those who always speak the truth will hesitate to express themselves freely. This looks like an attempt to suppress the voice of independent journalism.”

Dhaka’s Metropolitan Magistrate Court granted Alamgir a five-day remand after the police requested seven days.

The journalist was brought to court under heavy security following a case filed at the Uttara Paschim police station. The case accuses Alamgir and four others of conspiring to destabilise the country and revive banned organisations through social media and television talk shows.

In court, Alamgir defended his work, saying: “I am a journalist. I question power. I have been doing this for two decades. My job is not to kneel before anyone. I share my views openly on Facebook. I don’t know what I did wrong. Dr. Yunus can make the whole of Bangladesh a prison if he wants.”

Actress Meher Afroz Shawon, model Maria Kispatta, and presenter Imtu Ratish Imtiaz are also named in the case.

According to the charges, starting 5 August 2024, they spread propaganda to destabilise the country following the flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the July student uprising.

Human rights groups have condemned the arrest.

For a leading rights group, Ain O Salish Kendra (Centre for Law and Mediation), “Applying the Anti-Terrorism Act against a journalist is a misuse of law and a direct attack on freedom of expression. Criticising government policies is not a crime. Independent journalism is essential for accountable governance.”

The Editors’ Council also issued a strong-worded statement, calling the arrest “a dangerous precedent”, comparing it to authoritarian practices of the past:

“Such behavior evokes memories of state repression against journalists during dictatorial regimes. False cases, harassment, and arbitrary arrests were common then. This incident repeats that sad reality,” the statement read.

The latter also noted that, since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime on 5 August 2024, numerous journalists have been implicated in "false murder cases”, and many remain in prison.

As Bangladesh prepares to vote in February, Anis Alamgir’s arrest has heightened concerns about the shrinking democratic space. Church leaders and civil society groups fear that a gag on critical voices undermines institutional transparency and accountability.

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[*] Statement made on 11 September 2024.

• bangladesh
• press freedom
• arrest
• journalist
• anis alamgir
• student uprising
• sheikh Hasina
• catholic bishops