Amnesty International has urged the immediate and unconditional release of senior Bangladeshi journalist Anis Alamgir, expressing deep concern over what it describes as the misuse of the country’s anti-terrorism law to suppress freedom of expression.
In a statement published on its website on Wednesday (17 December), the UK-based human rights organization said Alamgir’s arrest under the Anti-Terrorism Act represents a worrying trend of targeting individuals for their opinions and peaceful expression.
Amnesty International official Rehab Mahamur said the manner in which Alamgir was detained—on allegations of supporting activities of the now-banned Awami League—poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and association. She warned that anti-terror legislation should not be used as a tool to silence dissenting voices, particularly journalists.
Calling on the interim government to ensure a safe and open environment for free expression ahead of the national election scheduled for February 2026, Mahamur said Bangladesh must uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). She stressed that Alamgir should be released immediately in line with these international commitments.
According to media reports cited by Amnesty, Alamgir told the court that he is a journalist who has questioned those in power for more than two decades and has never bowed to political pressure. He was arrested following allegations that he and four others promoted the Awami League on social media and other platforms.
Based on these allegations, a case was filed, and a Dhaka metropolitan magistrate court placed Alamgir on a five-day remand.
The statement also noted that in May this year, the interim government amended the Anti-Terrorism Act to ban the activities of the Awami League. Since then, the law has reportedly been used against individuals identified as party supporters, including journalist Manzurul Alam Panna.
Amnesty International emphasized that under international law, the use of anti-terror legislation to curb freedom of expression and association constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights. The organization urged the interim government to take all necessary steps to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and to ensure essential freedoms for a rights-respecting society.
