Meghna Alam’s Arrest Marks ‘Fascist Activity’ by Yunus Government: Democratic Rights Committee

Staff Reporter

The arrest of Meghna Alam, the 2020 Miss Earth Bangladesh winner, has been condemned by the Democratic Rights Committee as “legal fascism” under Muhammad Yunus’s government.

In a statement issued Saturday, committee member Anu Muhammad called for the abolition of the Special Powers Act, 1974, terming it a draconian law. He accused the state apparatus of acting as a “private force” for a foreign diplomat, demanding an investigation into both the diplomat and the law enforcement officials involved.

Meghna was detained late Wednesday night from her residence in Dhaka. Initially, police denied the arrest but later presented her in court, seeking her detention under the Special Powers Act. The court approved a 30-day detention order.

The committee criticized the incident as a display of autocratic behavior, alleging that it undermines human rights and democratic freedoms. It also questioned the legitimacy of the charges against Meghna , which included allegations of spreading false information to harm diplomatic relations.

Reports have linked Meghna to a personal dispute involving a Middle Eastern ambassador, which some speculate may have influenced her arrest. However, no official statement on the matter has been issued.

The Democratic Rights Committee called for Meghna’s immediate release and the repeal of the Special Powers Act, describing it as a “fascist” tool historically used to suppress dissent. The organization also urged a thorough investigation into the foreign diplomat’s role and appropriate diplomatic measures if allegations of misconduct are substantiated.