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Rights Groups Condemn Bangladesh’s Arrest of Journalist Anis Alamgir Under Anti‑Terror Law

Two leading rights groups call for his release, citing misuse of counterterror legislation before the February election.

Overview

  • Anis Alamgir was detained by the Detective Branch in Dhaka on December 14 and placed on a five-day police remand by a magistrate on December 15.
  • Police opened an Anti‑Terrorism Act investigation accusing him of spreading propaganda on media platforms and conspiring to rehabilitate the banned Awami League.
  • The arrest followed a complaint reportedly filed by a protest organizer, while authorities have not publicly released the First Information Report detailing specific provisions.
  • Amnesty International notes a May amendment to the ATA that bars Awami League activities, saying the law has since been used against perceived supporters, including journalists such as Monjurul Alam Panna.
  • CPJ cites a broader pattern of press repression this year, including at least 17 assaults on journalists in February, and warns that a conviction under the ATA can carry life imprisonment and a substantial fine.