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Bangladesh Press Crackdown: Rights Body Slams Yunus Government Amid Journalist Arrest

An international human rights organization has strongly criticized Bangladesh's interim government. It accuses the Muhammad Yunus-led administration of taking an authoritarian path by arresting a journalist. The group says the arrest under anti-terror laws is meant to intimidate independent media. They are demanding the journalist's immediate release and an end to the misuse of repressive laws.

Key Points: Rights Body Condemns Yunus Government Over Bangladesh Journalist Arrest

  • Senior journalist Anis Alamgir was arrested without specific charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act
  • The rights body JMBF calls the arrest a premeditated act to silence dissent
  • The group accuses the interim government of hypocrisy in its human rights approach
  • JMBF demands the immediate and unconditional release of the detained journalist
3 min read

Rights body slams Bangladeshi journalist's arrest, hits out at Yunus for 'threatening' press freedom

International rights group JMBF condemns the arrest of journalist Anis Alamgir under anti-terror laws, accusing the Yunus-led government of suppressing free speech.

"Targeted attacks against journalists and human rights defenders in Bangladesh reflect a systematic erosion of fundamental freedoms. - Robert Simon, JMBF Chief Advisor"

Paris, Dec 16

A leading international human rights organisation strongly condemned the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for adopting an "authoritarian and fascistic path" in Bangladesh, accusing it of suppressing freedom of expression instead of protecting it.

The criticism came after senior Bangladeshi journalist Anis Alamgir was reportedly taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) without specific charges and subsequently arrested on Monday under the country's Anti-Terrorism Act.

In its statement, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stated that the arrest of Alamgir under the "harsh and controversial" Anti-Terrorism Act solely for criticising the Yunus-led interim government's human rights-violating activities demonstrates that the administration has completely failed to move away from the repressive authoritarian mindset, abandoning its promise to guarantee freedom of expression.

"The sequence of arrest without warrant, conversion of allegations into a formal criminal case, and placement on remand clearly indicates a premeditated act of harassment aimed at intimidating and silencing independent journalism and dissenting voices," JMBF said.

"This constitutes a direct violation of the freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and, in particular, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)," it added.

Condemning the incident, French human rights activist and JMBF Chief Advisor Robert Simon said, "Targeted attacks against journalists and human rights defenders in Bangladesh reflect a systematic erosion of fundamental freedoms."

"Silencing critical voices through intimidation, arbitrary arrest, and legal harassment is entirely incompatible with democratic principles and international human rights obligations. The international community must take firm and effective action to ensure accountability and protect freedom of expression," he added.

The rights body alleged that while the interim government seeks to project an inflated positive image abroad through limited reform initiatives and signing of several international human rights treaties, it simultaneously tightens its grip at home by suppressing journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, opposition political leaders, activists, and supporters -- a move that exposes its "hypocrisy".

JMBF demanded the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Alamgir, without any conditions or restrictions, and the immediate withdrawal of the "harassing and politically motivated case" filed against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

It called on the Yunus-led interim government to immediately cease the "misuse of repressive laws and law enforcement agencies to silence journalists" and to provide credible, written, and institutional state guarantees ensuring the effective and practical protection of freedom of expression and press freedom.

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- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Sad to see this happening in a neighboring country. Professor Yunus is a Nobel laureate, and people had high hopes. This authoritarian turn is disappointing. Freedom of expression is non-negotiable.
A
Aman W
While I condemn the arrest, we must also be careful. Sometimes Western rights bodies have their own agendas. The situation on the ground might be more complex. We shouldn't jump to conclusions based on one report.
S
Sarah B
This is a clear violation of human rights. No government should fear criticism. The international community must speak up louder. Solidarity with journalist Anis Alamgir. ✊
V
Vikram M
It's a worrying trend in South Asia. We see similar tactics used to curb dissent here sometimes. Governments need to understand that a strong democracy needs strong, critical journalism. Hope he is released soon.
K
Karthik V
The hypocrisy mentioned in the article is the real issue. Signing treaties for global image while crushing freedoms at home. This damages Bangladesh's standing. As a fellow South Asian, I want to see stable, democratic neighbors.

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