Editor’s Council condemns case against Anis Alamgir

Staff Correspondent

The Editors’ Council has strongly condemned the summoning of journalist Anis Alamgir to the DB office and filing of a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act without specific charges.

Today, Monday, December 15, Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud condemned this in a statement.

The statement said, “Last Sunday, journalist Anis Alamgir was summoned to the DB office without any specific charges. He was detained there and the next day a case was filed against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act and he was shown arrested. Such behavior evokes memories of state repression against journalists. The incidents of false cases, harassment and arbitrary arrests against journalists are a sad reality.”

It says, “The Editorial Council strongly condemns this incident. At the same time, the Council wants to clearly state that if there is a specific complaint against a journalist, it must be resolved through the prevailing law and a fair process. Calling them to the DB office without a complaint, detaining them there, or later showing them arrested by filing a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act is in no way acceptable.”

The statement further said, “Since August 5, 2024, many journalists have been charged with false murder and many are still in prison. Earlier, the Editors’ Council had made its position clear about withdrawing the false murder cases filed against journalists. Although the legal advisor on behalf of the government has promised to take action against these false cases and harassment, the cases have not been withdrawn yet.”

Such behavior is reminiscent of past journalist persecution. The Editors’ Council strongly condemns such behavior and demands the withdrawal of all baseless cases.