Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 15 (ANI): Bangladeshi journalist Anis Alamgir, known for his reporting from Baghdad during the Iraq war, has been arrested by the country’s Detective Branch (DB) police, according to local media reports. Alamgir is also a former president of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB), a leading journalists’ organization.
On Sunday evening, while Anis Alamgir was working out at a gym in Dhaka, DB police took him into custody and brought him to their office in the capital. He was interrogated overnight and into Monday afternoon before being formally shown as arrested in a case on Monday, the reports said.
A Dhaka court has granted police five days of remand to question the senior journalist in connection with an anti-terrorism case. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam issued the order on Monday after a hearing on the investigating officer’s request for a seven-day remand. Prosecution Sub-Inspector Shamim Hossain confirmed the development, according to local media.
The case, filed with Uttara West Police, also names actress Meher Afroz Shaon, fashion model Maria Kisspotta, and presenter Imtu Ratish. The accused have been charged with allegedly conspiring to destabilize the country and inciting a banned organization, the Awami League, the reports said.
The complaint was lodged by Aryan Ahmed, who identified himself as a member of an organization called the July Revolutionary Alliance, following the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina government. The allegations were filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act and are primarily related to online activities.
According to a report by BBC Bangla, Anis Alamgir had frequently criticized various actions of the interim government on social media. The report noted that his arrest has raised questions about whether the government will continue to tolerate public criticism.
Maria Kisspotta, one of the accused, told ANI that she was frightened and feared she could also be arrested. She said she was staying low-key and was receiving updates on the case through a lawyer. Kisspotta had also been critical of the government on social media.
Editors, reporters, and human rights groups have expressed concern over the arrest of Anis Alamgir and have urged the interim government to secure his immediate release.
About The Author
