A coalition of international lawyers, human rights defenders, journalists, academics and civil society members has expressed “grave concern” over what they describe as the arbitrary detention and prosecution of journalists in Bangladesh since the political transition of August 5, 2024.
In a joint statement issued on February 22, 2026, the signatories alleged that a pattern of repression has emerged targeting members of the press through sweeping legal charges, including the Anti-Terrorism Act and allegations of crimes against humanity.
The statement highlights the cases of journalist and human rights advocate Shahriar Kabir, along with Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Haque Babu, Shyamal Dutta and Anis Alamgir, among others. It claims that more than 130 journalists have faced proceedings or accusations, with 27 documented detentions in 19 separate incidents.
According to the statement, mass complaints naming 25 journalists in crimes against humanity cases suggest a coordinated effort to intimidate the press. The signatories argue that vague and overbroad legal provisions—such as allegations of anti-state activities and terrorism—are being applied without transparent prima-facie evidence, creating a chilling effect on independent media.
The group further alleges procedural violations in multiple cases, including repeated denial of bail, limited access to legal counsel, and inadequate medical care for elderly or ill detainees. It notes that rights organizations, including the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, have raised concerns and deemed at least one detention unlawful.
Special mention was made of Shahriar Kabir, described as a 75-year-old journalist, author and filmmaker known for documenting war crimes and advocating for justice, who the statement says is being held indefinitely.
The signatories also criticized what they called the practice of keeping individuals in custody by “showing them arrested” in multiple cases even after courts have granted bail.
Calling on the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to act, the statement urged authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all journalists detained solely for their professional work or political expression, drop charges lacking credible evidence, and ensure fair trial guarantees in legitimate cases.
It also called for an end to the use of anti-terrorism and public order laws to suppress dissent and journalism, and invited independent international observers to assess the state of press freedom and rule of law in the country.
“A free press is the foundation of any democratic society,” the statement reads, adding that the persecution of journalists sends a dangerous signal that critical reporting will be met with repression rather than protection.
The statement was signed by dozens of individuals from countries including Switzerland, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, representing a broad cross-section of legal, academic and civil society communities.
