DRU strongly condemns filing of case against Anis Alamgir

Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has expressed deep concern over the filing of case against its permanent member Anis Alamgir without specific charges.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel strongly condemned the matter.

Regarding placing Anis Alamgir on remand, the DRU leaders have called upon te authorities concerned not to disrespect or harass him during the remand.

Journalist Anis Alamgir was picked up and was taken to the DB office without any specific charges on Sunday. He was then detained there and a case was filed against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act the next day. After being shown arrested, he was sent to the court and remand was sought. The court granted him a five-day remand.

DRU leaders believe that such behavior evokes memories of state repression against journalists during past dictatorial regimes. "We have witnessed such practices in the past during the Awami League government. At that time, false cases, harassment and arbitrary arrests against journalists were regular occurrences. The current incident is a repetition of that sad reality."

"It is in no way acceptable to call a journalist to the DB office without charges, detain him there, or later show him arrested by filing a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act."