Bangladeshi Prominent Journalist Munni Saha has been released from the custody of the Detective Branch ( a branch of Police) , just hours after being detained the capital on Saturday night.
She was handed over to her family on payment of a bond shortly after midnight (technically Sunday).
Quoting Rezaul Karim Mallick, additional commissioner (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, she was released under the obscure Section 497 of the CrPC.
It means she must appear in court to seek bail and comply with future police summons.
Earlier, a DB team picked up Munni Saha from the Karwan Bazar area around 9:30pm on Saturday, said DB Additional Commissioner Rezaul Karim Mallik.
He said that Munni Saha faces several cases in Dhaka.
Responding to questions, he said that they have not yet determined under which police station’s case the arrest will be shown.
Munni Saha had been associated with ATN News since its inception but resigned from the channel on May 31, 2023. Subsequently, she joined a new platform named Ek Takar Khobor.
On October 6, 2024, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) sent letters to banks requesting all financial account details related to Munni Saha. The letter sought information on any deposits, loans, lockers, credit cards, foreign trade, and offshore banking accounts in her name or associated entities. Banks were instructed to provide these details, along with account opening forms, transaction records, KYC (Know Your Customer) profiles, and updated statements, by October 7, 2024.
Moreover, The interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has reportedly revoked around 200 press accreditation cards for journalists. This measure has further exacerbated concerns about press freedom. Prominent newspapers like The Daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have faced threats from radical extremist groups, and the Rajshahi office of Prothom Alo was recently vandalized.
The broader media landscape in Bangladesh remains tense, with journalists and media houses experiencing increasing challenges. Rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have criticized the ongoing crackdown, describing many charges as politically motivated and lacking substantial evidence.