Rights Body Slams Arrest of Bangladeshi Journalist, Criticises Yunus

December 16, 2025

A leading rights organization has strongly criticized the arrest and remand of a Bangladeshi journalist, saying the move threatens press freedom and underscores worsening conditions for media workers under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Another journalist in Bangladesh was arrested yesterday under the draconian anti-terrorism law. His apparent crimes —

1. Being critical of various actions taken by the interim government of Bangladesh.

2. Listening to music during a meal — when the student leader Osman Hadi… pic.twitter.com/uXHoc2pgtw

— Sami (@ZulkarnainSaer) December 15, 2025

The concern comes after journalist Anis Alamgir was detained and placed under a five-day police remand in a case filed under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act, a decision sharply condemned by rights defenders both inside and outside the country.

Journalist’s Arrest Sparks Outrage

 Dhaka court granted a five-day police remand for reporter Anis Alamgir, who was arrested by detectives from the city’s Dhanmondi area. Alamgir is known for his critical reporting on the interim government’s policies, and his detention has alarmed media freedom advocates.

Alamgir told the court that he has been a journalist for over two decades and defended his role in questioning those in power, asserting that his work should not be treated as a crime.

Rights Groups Decry Suppression of Press Freedom

Rights and NGOs monitoring Bangladesh have pointed to a sharp rise in attacks, legal cases and intimidation against journalists since the interim government took office. A recent report by Rights and Risks Analysis Group noted that hundreds of journalists have faced attacks or legal action, with a significant increase in criminal cases and denial of accreditation used against media professionals.

International bodies like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have also urged the government to end systemic repression of journalists, calling for the release of detained reporters and protection of media workers from unjust legal charges.

Critics Accuse Yunus Govt of Threatening Media Freedom

Critics argue that the use of anti-terror and other security laws against journalists represents a dangerous expansion of state power that undermines fundamental rights like freedom of expression. They highlight a broader pattern of harassment, including legal intimidation, arrests, and physical attacks, that has fostered an environment hostile to independent journalism.

Some media associations in Bangladesh have also protested threats and public warnings against journalists from political figures, calling such rhetoric unacceptable and a hindrance to democratic reporting.

Government Response and Broader Context

While rights advocates continue to highlight press freedom concerns, the Yunus-led interim government has previously stated that it supports freedom of expression and has initiated media reform efforts. However, sceptics remain unconvinced, arguing that ongoing arrests and legal actions erode trust in these assurances.

The debate over media freedom in Bangladesh comes against the backdrop of broader political tensions and unresolved conflicts over law, order and governance under the interim administration.