Arrest of journalist Anis Alamgir is attack on media freedom: Article19

ARTICLE 19 has strongly condemns the arrest of prominent journalist Anis Alamgir under the Anti-Terrorism Act, a move that represents a grave violation of press freedom and the right to dissent in Bangladesh.

Alamgir, widely known for his critical commentary on the activities of the interim government on television talk shows, was taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) on December 14 and held at its office for several hours before a case was filed against him the following day.

The human rights watchdog observed that holding a journalist in custody without charge and later resorting to security laws as justification is indefensible and violates the core principles of justice and the rule of law. The case also names actress Meher Afroz Shaon, model Maria Kispotta, and media personality Imtu Ratish Imtiaz, accusing them of ‘anti-state crimes’ and conspiracy. The complaint was lodged by Aryan Ahmed, central organiser of the July Revolutionary Alliance, a movement formed after the mass uprising of July 2024, at Uttara (West) police station.

Article19 said: "This follows a disturbing pattern of intimidation, as another journalist, Mizanur Rahman Sohel, was recently detained by DB officers and held at their office for several hours before being released."

"The arrest of Alamgir reflects a broader and troubling trend of silencing critical voices in the country. Such actions evoke memories of past practices where journalists and media professionals were subjected to harassment, arbitrary detention, and false charges for expressing dissenting views.

"The use of anti-terrorism provisions against individuals engaged in legitimate journalistic work is deeply concerning, as it undermines the principles of justice and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. These developments highlight the growing risks faced by those who speak out, and the chilling effect this has on freedom of expression and the wider democratic environment," the press statement added.

ARTICLE 19 emphasises that the use of the Anti-Terrorism Act against journalists and cultural figures is a disproportionate misuse of law designed to silence dissent. These arrests create a climate of fear among media professionals, discouraging them from reporting freely or questioning government actions. "With national elections approaching, such intimidation tactics risk undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process by suppressing critical voices and narrowing the space for democratic debate. Democracy cannot thrive without a free press."

"Arresting journalists under anti-terror laws for voicing criticism is unacceptable and must cease immediately," it added.

The organisation calls for the immediate release of Anis Alamgir and the withdrawal of charges against him and the other accused. "We further urge the interim government to end the harassment of journalists, including Mizanur Rahman Sohel, and to uphold its obligations under international human rights law. Freedom of expression and press independence are fundamental to democracy, and Bangladesh must ensure that journalists can operate without fear of reprisal during this critical electoral period."