Citizens Raise Alarm Over Detention of Journalists in Bangladesh

A broad coalition of lawyers, human rights defenders, journalists, academics, and civil society members from across the world has expressed grave concern over what they describe as an escalating crackdown on press freedom in Bangladesh following the political transition of 5 August 2024.

In a strongly worded statement, the group alleged a pattern of arbitrary detention, harassment, and prosecution of media professionals, arguing that these actions signal a deepening crisis for freedom of expression and democratic accountability in the country.

The statement highlights the cases of prominent journalists and commentators, including Shahriar Kabir, Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Haque Babu, Shyamal Dutta, and Anis Alamgir, along with dozens of others who have reportedly faced arrest or legal action in recent months.

According to the signatories, these cases are not isolated incidents but part of a broader and troubling pattern of repression aimed at silencing critical voices in the media. The coalition has called for an immediate end to arbitrary detentions and urged the authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees of press freedom and the rule of law. On behalf of the citizens, Charlotte Jacquemart sent the following statement:

We, the undersigned lawyers, human rights defenders, journalists, academics and civil society members from across the world, express our grave concern over the arbitrary detention and prosecution of journalists in Bangladesh since the political transition of 5 August 2024.

The cases of Shahriar Kabir, Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Haque Babu, Shyamal Dutta, Anis Alamgir, and dozens of others represent a deeply troubling pattern of repression against the press and freedom of expression. These detentions, carried out under sweeping charges including the Anti-Terrorism Act and allegations of crimes against humanity, appear to criminalize legitimate journalistic work and political commentary.

Our concerns include:

The use of vague and overbroad legal provisions to silence critical voices. Charges such as anti-state activities and terrorism are being applied without any transparent prima-facie evidence, creating a chilling effect on independent media.

The procedural violations documented in multiple cases, including repeated denial of bail, inadequate access to legal counsel, and lack of medical care for elderly or ill detainees. Various rights groups and organizations have raised concerns about many of these detentions. including the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, have already deemed at least one detention unlawful.

The scale of the crackdown: Over 130 journalists have faced proceedings or accusations, with 27 documented detentions in 19 separate incidents. Mass complaints naming 25 journalists in ‘crimes against humanity’ cases suggest a coordinated effort to intimidate the press.

The targeting of respected figures such as Shariar Kabir, a 75-year-old journalist, author, filmmaker and human rights advocate whose decades of work documenting war crimes and advocating for justice are now being used as grounds for his indefinite detention.

Detaining individuals in jail for long periods without trial or investigation by accusing them of serious crimes like murder, and continuing this farce by keeping them in custody even after they have been granted bail, by showing them as “shown arrested” in other cases.

We call on the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to:

1. Immediately and unconditionally release all journalists detained solely for their work or expression of political views.
2. Drop charges that are not supported by credible, transparent, prima-facie evidence and that violate international standards of freedom of expression.
3. Ensure fair investigation and trial guarantees for any journalist facing legitimate criminal proceedings, including access to legal representation, timely bail hearings, and humane detention conditions.
4. Cease the use of sweeping anti-terrorism and public order laws to suppress dissent and journalism.
5. Invite independent international observers to assess the situation of press freedom and rule of law in the country.

A free press is the foundation of any democratic society. The journalists detained in Bangladesh have served the public by reporting on matters of urgent importance. Their persecution sends a dangerous message that critical journalism will be met with state repression rather than protection.

We stand in solidarity with all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and for fulfilling their journalistic responsibilities.

Signatories:

1. Charlotte Jacquemart, Journalist, Zurich, Switzerland
2. Parvez Hashem, Lawyer and Human Rights Defender, Florida, United States
3. Sultana Bilkis Nahar Chowdhury, Psychotherapist-Counselor, Manitoba, Canada
4. Monwara Clark, War Baby from 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, currently in Vancouver, Canada by way of after-war adaptation
5. Dastagir Jahangir, Journalist, Washington, USA
6. Christine Badertscher, Member of the Swiss National Council, Switzerland
7. Sue Thompson, Artist, Founder, Global Peace Network, Florida, USA
8. Shirajum Monira, Doctoral Researcher, Nuclear Physics Division, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
9. Yusuf Chowdhury, Freedom Fighter, Engineer, Boston, USA
10. Advocate Shahanur Islam, Human Rights Advocate, Paris, France
11. Violet Halder, Editor, Somoyer Shobdo, Bargen, Norway
12. Tonoy Emroz Alam, Social Worker, Germany
13. Mohammed Shamim Mridha, Freedom Fighter, President, Ekatturer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, Florida, USA
14. Rayhan Rashid, Lawyer, Transitional Justice advocate, Founder/Trustee, ICSF, UK
15. Afsana Kishwar, Writer and Activist, Manitoba, Canada
16. Arman Rashid, IT Professional and Activist, Ontario, Canada
17. Jannatul Ferdous Nouzula, Public Service Officer andCultural Activist, Melbourne, Australia
18. Hasan Mahmud (Tipu), Associate Professor of Law,Curlton University, Ottawa, Canada
19. Sadique Hasan, Advisor, Haukeland University Hospital,Bergen, Norway
20. Saifur Rahman Mishu, Member of Global justice Network Foundation, Sweden
21. Ishtiaq Jamil, Professor Emeritus, University of Bergen, Norway
22. Oliver Classen, Media Director, Zurich, Switzerland
23. Helene Laube, Business Journalist, San Francisco, USA
24. Dieter Bachmann, Journalist, Zurich, Switzerland
25. Dipen Bhattachariya, Writer and Professor, California, USA
26. Kuloda Roy, Writer, New York, USA
27. Ranjana Banerjee, Writer, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
28. Farid Ahmed, Writer, Toronto, Canada
29. Mo Iftekhar Sadique, Accountant and Cultural Activist, Melbourne, Australia
30. Rimon Chakrabarty, Retirement Super Solutions Administratorand Cultural Activist. Melbourne, Australia
31. Ehrene Evanova Naadia, Quality Assistant (Service) and Cultural Activist, Melbourne, Australia
32. Nahid Khan, Higher Education Professional, Ontario, Canada
33. Sohel S., Financial Professional, Ontario, Canada
34. Rahman Khalilur Mamun, Executive President of the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, Geneva, Switzerland
35. Tuhin Das, Poet, Pennsylvania, USA
36. Manirul Islam, Activist and retired Professional, Toronto, Canada
37. Mo Ashif Rahim, Family Physician, Canberra, Australia
38. Liakat Hossain Limon, Blogger and Activist, Stockholm, Sweden
39. Nadim Iqbal, Photographer, Toronto, Canada
40. S M Faiyaz Hossain, Freelance Journalist, Australia
    1. Sami Chowdhury, Realtor, Toronto, Canada
41. Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Human Rights Advocate, Paris, France
42. Shayla Ahmed (Lopa), Human Rights Defender, Executive Director, Humanity First Alliance (HFA), Toronto,Canada
43. Monira Rahman, TDSB School Office Administrator, Canada
44. Mahmud Hasan, University Teacher and Researcher, Canada
45. Shamim Ahmed, University Teacher and Public Health Specialist, Canada
46. Lubna Turin, University Teacher and Researcher, UK
47. Sheikh Iskandar, University Teacher and Researcher,USA
48. ATM Shamsuzzohha, University Teacher
49. Umme Habiba, Barrister & Solicitor, Ontario, Canada
50. Sima Roy, Barrister & Solicitor, Manitoba, Canada
51. Sraboni Endow Chowchudy, Retired Counsellor and Banker, Manitoba, Canada
52. Mamtaz Parvin Mou, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh
53. Rashed Mahmud, Communication Specialist, Canada
54. Zaglul Azim, Cultural Activist, Toronto, Canada
55. Shahidul Alam, Economist & Journalist, Canada
56. Goutam Sikder, Assistant Professor and Cultural Activist,Toronto, Canada
57. Bidyut Sarker, Writer, Social Activist, and Photographer, Toronto, Canada
58. Niru K Nahar, Professor, Columbus, OH, USA
59. Shyamol Das, Professor of Homeland Security at Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina, USA
60. Barrister Tapas Kanti Baul, Senior Associate, South Asia Democratic Forum, Germany
61. Nilima Datta, Cultural Activist, Toronto, Canada.