Freelance Journalist S A Sabbir detained in Keraniganj Jail over CSA charges

Special Correspondent

Freelance journalist and cultural activist S A Sabbir, arrested in early April 2025 for alleged anti-government social media posts, has been placed on a three-day remand and is now imprisoned at Keraniganj Central Jail. His family, initially unaware of his whereabouts, was later informed by Banani Police that he was held under the Cyber Security Act (CSA) for his online activism.

Colleagues of S A Sabbir had told BDDigest that he was unlawfully detained and interrogated for two days in secret, before featured as arrested from Banani Police Station. Sabbir was a resident at Mugda Area of Dhaka.

A High Court lawyer familiar with such cases told BD Digest that bail is rarely granted at magistrate or sessions courts in CSA cases, leaving the High Court as the only viable recourse. Sabbir’s arrest mirrors a pattern of crackdowns on dissent, with Interim authorities frequently using digital laws to target critics. His membership with Muktijudho Moncho, a group advocating Bangladesh’s liberation war ideals, and who opposed the July Quota Movement from the beginning. Muktijudho Mocho’s Secretary General Al Mamun has strongly condemned his arrest, calling it unlawful and an attack on freedom of expression. They demanded his immediate release, accusing interim authorities of suppressing dissent through arbitrary detentions.

Attempts to seek clarification from the police were unsuccessful, with officials refusing to comment. Critics argue that digital laws are being misused to silence opposition voices, despite past promises of reform. The case adds to growing concerns over shrinking press freedom and the targeting of activists in Bangladesh by the Interim Government. No media has reported this case so far, showing a constant silencing of Media. Dr. Asif Nazrul who was once known as a champion of Human Rights and press freedom, he previously critiqued the Cyber Security Act and Digital Security Act calling them Dark Laws. However, after receiving his position as law Advisor in the cabinet of Muhammad Yunus he and Ministry of Home Affairs have misused these laws rather harshly on their critics.