Bangladesh: Shahidul Alam Case Dismissal – More Freedom Needed
Bangladeshi Photographer Shahidul Alam Acquitted of ICT Charges, Highlighting ongoing Concerns for Freedom of Expression
Dhaka, Bangladesh – On August 7, 2025, the High Court of Bangladesh dismissed the case against renowned photographer and activist Shahidul Alam, initially filed in 2018 under the controversial Data and Communication Technology (ICT) Act. The dismissal marks a important, albeit overdue, victory for Alam, who was designated a Prisoner of Concious by Amnesty International during his 100+ day detention. Though, the case serves as a stark reminder of the Bangladeshi government’s historical and ongoing suppression of dissent and freedom of expression.Alam’s arrest on August 5,2018,stemmed from comments made during an Al-Jazeera English interview concerning the violent crackdown on student protests demanding safer roads. He criticized the authorities’ excessive use of force, a stance that led to charges under Section 57 of the ICT Act, a law widely condemned for its vague wording and potential for abuse.Had he been convicted, Alam faced up to 14 years in prison. He reported enduring torture while in custody, allegations that remain unaddressed.
The case against Alam became emblematic of a broader pattern of utilizing legislation to stifle critical voices in Bangladesh. While the ICT Act was repealed in 2018, its spirit lived on through the subsequent Digital Security Act (DSA) and the Cyber Security Act (CSA), the latter being replaced by the Cyber Security Ordinance in May 2025. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have consistently documented how these laws have been weaponized against journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens expressing dissenting opinions.
“This outcome for Shahidul Alam was long overdue,” stated Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International’s South Asia Research Director. “He should never have been arrested in the first place for criticizing the authorities.His case highlights a disturbing trend of suppressing freedom of expression, particularly targeting government critics.”
The crackdown on student protests in 2018, during which Alam was arrested, was particularly brutal. United Nations estimates suggest as many as 1,400 people may have been killed in the violence. This event underscored the escalating repression of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression within the country.
While Alam’s acquittal represents a positive step, Amnesty International emphasizes the need for systemic change. The association calls on Bangladesh’s interim government to align its legislation with international human rights standards and to hold accountable officials implicated in the excessive use of force against protesters and the mistreatment of detainees. Crucially, authorities must provide Alam with access to remedy for the ordeal he endured, including investigating and addressing the allegations of torture he suffered during his detention.
The dismissal of the charges against Shahidul Alam is not simply the end of one man’s legal battle; it is a pivotal moment demanding broader reform.As Bangladesh navigates its political transition, the future of freedom of expression hangs in the balance. The continued vigilance of international organizations and the unwavering commitment to upholding human rights principles will be essential to ensuring a more equitable and rights-respecting society for all Bangladeshis. The ongoing evolution of cybersecurity legislation, and its potential impact on essential freedoms, will remain a critical area of focus in the years to come.