PEN Bangladesh has condemned the arrest and continued detention of journalist Anis Alamgir, calling it a grave violation of press freedom, due process, and the right to freedom of expression.
In a statement on Tuesday, the organization demanded the immediate release of Anis Alamgir, the withdrawal of all unfounded cases against journalists, and an end to the misuse of security agencies and laws to silence the media.
According to reports, Anis Alamgir was summoned to the Detective Branch (DB) office on Sunday, where he was detained without any specific charge. He was later shown as arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act and subsequently placed on remand. PEN Bangladesh said detaining a journalist without charge and later invoking security legislation to justify the detention is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of justice and the rule of law.
The organization expressed deep concern that the incident reflects a wider pattern of intimidation and legal harassment of journalists through vague, disproportionate, and punitive laws. It noted that the use of anti-terrorism provisions against members of the press for their professional work creates a climate of fear and undermines critical inquiry and public debate.
PEN Bangladesh also highlighted that Anis Alamgir is a senior journalist with long-standing experience in both print and electronic media and is widely known for his active participation in televised discussions on national issues. It stressed that critical commentary, analysis, and engagement in public discourse are fundamental to journalism and are protected under both national and international guarantees of freedom of expression.
