Amnesty International calls for immediate release of Journalist Anis Alamgir

International human rights organisation Amnesty International has urged the immediate release of journalist Anis Alamgir, who was recently arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The organisation described the targeting of individuals for expressing their opinions as a “deeply worrying trend.”

Alamgir was detained on December 15. Authorities allege that he, along with four others, promoted activities on various platforms in support of the banned faction of the Awami League.

In a statement, Amnesty International representative Rehab Mahmoor said, “The arrest of Anis Alamgir is part of a concerning pattern. Individuals perceived to support the banned faction are being increasingly targeted. Rather than using anti-terror laws to suppress freedom of expression, the interim government and authorities should ensure the rights to free speech and peaceful assembly ahead of the upcoming elections.”

The statement also emphasised Bangladesh’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and called on the government to immediately release Alamgir.

Alamgir told the court, “I am a journalist. I question those in power. I have done this for two decades. I do not bow to anyone.”

Amnesty International highlighted that with national elections scheduled for February 2026, it is crucial to protect human rights and maintain a fear-free political environment, urging an end to the misuse of repressive laws.

Alamgir was taken into custody on the night of December 14 while leaving a gym in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 2 area and interrogated at the DB office. He was formally arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act the following day and granted five days’ remand by the court.

Other accused in the case include actress Meher Afroz Shaon, fashion model Maria Kispotta, and presenter Imtu Ratish Imtiaz.