Bangladesh Welcomes Alam Case Dismissal, Yet Freedom of Expression Needs Further Progress

Amnesty International Welcomes Dismissal of Case Against Photographer Shahidul Alam

Dhaka, bangladesh – Amnesty International has welcomed the Bangladesh High Court’s decision to dismiss the case against photographer, social activist, and Prisoner of Conscience, Shahidul Alam, initially filed in 2018 under the information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act.

“This outcome for Shahidul Alam was long overdue,” said Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International’s South Asia Research director. “Alam,whom we recognized to be a Prisoner of Conscience while detained,should never have been arrested on charges under the Information and Communication Technology Act in the first place. He was targeted solely for criticizing the Bangladeshi authorities’ excessive use of force and crackdown on students protesting for safer roads back in 2018.”

Lassee highlighted a concerning trend of the Bangladeshi authorities utilizing legislation – including the now-repealed ICT Act, the Digital Security Act (DSA), and the Cyber Security Act (CSA) replaced by the Cyber Security Ordinance in May 2025 – to suppress freedom of expression, especially targeting government critics.

“The suppression of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Bangladesh culminated last year with the brutal crackdown on students’ protests,with a UN estimate of 1,400 people possibly killed in the violence,” Lassee stated.

Amnesty International is urging the interim government of Bangladesh to address the systemic repression of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. key recommendations include aligning legislation with international human rights law and standards, and holding officials accountable for the excessive use of force against protesters and the ill-treatment of detainees.

“There is no place for such tactics as Bangladesh transitions towards what many hope will be a more equitable, rights-respecting society,” Lassee emphasized.

The institution also calls for authorities to provide Shahidul Alam with access to remedy for the ordeal he endured during his over 100-day detention for a speech-related offence, including addressing allegations of torture suffered while in custody.

Background

Shahidul Alam was arrested on August 5, 2018, and charged under section 57 of Bangladesh’s ICT Act for comments made during an Al-Jazeera English interview regarding student protests and the authorities’ response. A conviction could have resulted in up to 14 years in prison. Alam alleged torture during his detention.

Amnesty International designated him a Prisoner of Conscience in September 2018. he was released on bail on November 20, 2018, and the High Court of Bangladesh dismissed the case against him on August 7, 2025.

What specific revisions to teh Digital Security act are being proposed by civil society organizations to align it with international human rights standards?

The Dismissal of Shahidul AlamS Case: A Victory for Activists

The recent dismissal of charges against renowned Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam marks a important, albeit overdue, victory for human rights defenders and advocates for freedom of expression in Bangladesh. Alam, arrested in 2018 following a Facebook live video criticizing police actions during student protests, faced charges under the draconian Digital Security Act (DSA). His case became a focal point in the international debate surrounding shrinking civic space and the suppression of dissent in the country.

The dismissal, while welcomed, doesn’t erase the years Alam spent facing legal battles and the chilling effect his prosecution had on journalists and activists. It underscores the flaws within the DSA and the urgent need for reform. This event highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights in Bangladesh and the importance of international pressure in securing justice.

Understanding the Digital Security Act and its Impact

The DSA, enacted in 2018, has been widely criticized by rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights watch for its vague provisions and overly broad definitions of offenses.Thes ambiguities have been exploited to stifle critical voices and target individuals expressing dissenting opinions online.

Here’s a breakdown of key concerns:

Vague Definitions: Terms like “offensive” or “harmful” are not clearly defined, leaving room for arbitrary interpretation and abuse.

Excessive Penalties: The DSA prescribes harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, for offenses that shoudl not be criminalized.

Pre-arrest Detention: The law allows for arrest without a warrant, increasing the risk of arbitrary detention.

Impact on Journalism: Journalists and bloggers have been frequently targeted under the DSA, leading to self-censorship and a decline in investigative reporting. Bangladeshi journalism is facing unprecedented challenges.

Beyond Alam: Othre Cases and the pattern of Repression

Shahidul Alam’s case is not isolated. Numerous other individuals have faced prosecution under the DSA for exercising their right to freedom of speech.

Rasul Mia: A schoolteacher was arrested for a Facebook post criticizing a local politician.

protick Hasan: A journalist faced charges for reporting on alleged corruption.

* Numerous unnamed citizens: Countless individuals have been subjected to harassment and intimidation for expressing their views online.

These cases demonstrate a pattern of repression aimed at silencing dissent and controlling the narrative. The consistent submission of the DSA against those critical of the government raises serious concerns about the rule of law and democratic principles in Bangladesh.

Calls for DSA Reform and a More Open Civic Space

The dismissal of Alam’s case has reignited calls for extensive reform of the DSA. Civil society organizations and international bodies are urging the Bangladeshi government to:

1. Revise the DSA: Narrow the scope of the law, clarify vague provisions, and ensure it complies with international human rights standards.
2. Release Detainees: Immediately release all individuals detained under the DSA for exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of expression.
3. protect Journalists and Activists: Guarantee the safety and security of journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders.
4. Promote Media Freedom: Foster an environment where self-reliant media can operate without fear of reprisal. Media landscape Bangladesh needs to be protected.

The Role of international Pressure and Advocacy

International pressure played a crucial role in bringing attention to Shahidul Alam’s case and advocating for his release. Continued international scrutiny is essential to ensure that the Bangladeshi government takes meaningful steps to protect human rights and promote freedom of the press.

Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and advocate for reforms. Supporting these organizations and raising awareness about the issue are vital steps individuals can take.

Bangladesh’s Sporting Landscape: A Brief Overview

While the focus remains on human rights, it’s critically important to acknowledge other facets of Bangladeshi society.Football in Bangladesh, such as, is the second most popular sport after cricket, organized by the Bangladesh Football Federation. The national team achieved a notable victory by winning the South Asian Championship in 2003. This demonstrates a vibrant cultural life alongside the ongoing struggles for political and civil liberties.