The arrest of Sheikh Jamal, a content creator, journalist, and leader, raises further concerns about the suppression of free speech and media freedom in Bangladesh. Jamal was taken into custody by a team from the Detective Branch of the police at his residence in Moghbazar, Dhaka, early on Wednesday. Authorities reportedly broke down his door to gain entry and arrested him following an extensive search. Jamal, who had been living alone, had been posting on social media in support of the Awami League and against the interim government after the fall of the previous regime.
Though police have yet to confirm his arrest officially, Jamal faces two murder charges connected to an incident on August 5. He was formerly the organizing secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity.
His arrest is part of a larger crackdown on journalists in Bangladesh, with dozens of media figures, including National Press Club General Secretary Shyamal Dutta, senior journalists Mozammel Babu, Farzana Rupa, and Shakil Ahmed, also being detained since August 5. According to reports, hundreds of journalists across the country face false charges simply for expressing their views.
Jamal had been organizing protests against the murder charges and arrests of around 150 journalists nationwide, actions that he and others view as a direct attack on press freedom and democracy. Critics argue that such measures are indicative of rising authoritarianism, not democracy. The case has sparked widespread condemnation from journalists and media organizations who see this as a violation of fundamental rights to free expression and press freedom.
Protesters have called these actions oppressive and have demanded the release of those wrongfully detained under false charges.