17.12.2025
Ms. Irene Khan
UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations.
Subject: Urgent Appeal Regarding the Arrest of Journalist Anis Alamgir and Escalating Threats to Press Freedom in Bangladesh
Dear Ms. Khan,
On behalf of the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), I write to express grave concern over the recent arrest and detention of veteran journalist Anis Alamgir under the Anti-Terrorism Act in Bangladesh, and the broader deterioration of press freedom in the country.
According to credible reports, Mr. Alamgir was placed on a five-day remand following allegations under anti-terrorism provisions (The Daily Star, 2025). This development is part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and legal harassment targeting journalists and media workers in Bangladesh. Recent analyses by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlight an alarming rise in attacks, killings, and prosecutions of journalists, compounded by the looming enactment of restrictive cyber laws (IFJ Blog; CPJ Report).
These actions contravene Human Rights Council Resolution 33/2 on the Safety of Journalists, which urges States to prevent violence, threats, and arbitrary detention against journalists, ensure accountability, and guarantee an enabling environment for free expression. Bangladesh, as a member of the United Nations, is obligated to uphold these commitments.
The current situation reflects a systemic assault on freedom of expression, where dissent and satire are criminalized (Article 19). The chilling effect on independent journalism undermines democratic discourse and violates Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
We respectfully urge your mandate to:
- Engage with the Government of Bangladesh to seek clarification on the charges against Mr. Alamgir and ensure his immediate release unless credible evidence is presented in line with international standards.
- Call for an end to the misuse of anti-terrorism and cyber laws to silence journalists and critics.
- Recommend concrete measures to guarantee the safety of journalists and uphold press freedom in Bangladesh, consistent with HRC Resolution 33/2.
- Call Bangladesh government to release all the journalist, including Anis Alamgir with immediate effect.
SADF stands ready to provide further documentation and facilitate dialogue with civil society actors monitoring these developments.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Yours sincerely,
Tapas Kanti Baul, Barrister-at-Law
Senior Associate
South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF)
Email: info@sadf.online
