Detention of Meghna Alam Under the Special Powers Act Sparks Human Rights Concerns

April 15, 2025

HRRC condemns Meghna Alam’s arrest under the Special Powers Act, calling it a dangerous misuse of vague laws to suppress dissent. We demand her immediate release, a transparent probe into the case, and the repeal of this repressive law.

Bangaldeshi model Meghna Alam [Image source: Facebook]

On April 9, 2025, Meghna Alam, model and former Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020, was arrested under the Special Powers Act (SPA) and later sent to Kashimpur Prison for 30 days without trial. The arrest followed a series of Facebook posts in which Meghna claimed that a foreign official, whom she claimed to be her husband, was attempting to silence her with the assistance of law enforcement authorities. She also revealed private chats between them.

During a 12-minute Facebook video, Meghna was seen appealing to individuals claiming to be police officers who had entered her home without a warrant. The video was abruptly cut off and then removed. Her detention went unnoticed for 24 hours, and the police finally issued a statement after intense public pressure.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police said that her detention was due to circulating false information that might jeopardize diplomatic ties and national security. They refuted charges of kidnapping, claiming that all legal processes had been followed. However, this reasoning sparked severe concerns, particularly given Bangladesh's problematic history of enforced disappearances.

The Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB), a coalition of over 20 organizations, criticized the arrest, claiming a violation of Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution, which guarantee legal rights and personal liberty. They demanded Meghna's immediate release, the repeal of the SPA, and an open inquiry into the claims.

Later, on April 13, the High Court replied by announcing a regulation that called into doubt the validity of the detention procedure, including the lack of a warrant, delayed court appearance, and denial of legal aid. The court also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain her detention within two weeks. Meghna's father filed a writ, and Barrister Sara Hossain presented the case. Even Law Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the detention procedure was defective, highlighting the need for legal responsibility and human rights protections.

Glossary

Abruptly – Suddenly and unexpectedly, without warning or preparation.
Constitution – The fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed.
Barrister – A lawyer or an advocate.
Defective – Not working properly or having a flaw; imperfect or faulty.
Detention – The act of holding someone in custody, especially for legal or political reasons.
Diplomatic Ties – The communication and interaction between different political entities.
Dissent – Dissatisfaction with or opposition to the policies of a governing body.
Enforced Displacement – an arrest, detention, abduction, or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State.
Jeopardize – To put someone or something in danger or at risk.
Legal aid – Assistance provided to people who cannot afford legal representation and access to the court system.
Probe – To investigate, inquire, or examine.
Procedure – A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner, especially in legal or official matters.
Repeal – The action of revoking or annulling a law or act of parliament.
Refuted – Proved to be wrong or false through argument or evidence.
Regulations – Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority to control conduct or procedures.
Repressive – controlling or preventing personal freedom (mostly through social or political systems).
Sparked – Caused something to begin or happen, especially something intense or serious, such as debate or conflict.
Suppress – Forcefully prevent an action, expression, or development.
Trial – A formal examination of evidence in a court, typically to decide guilt in a criminal case.
Validity – The quality of being legally sound, acceptable, or logically correct.
Vague – of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning.
Warrant – A legal document authorizing the police or another body to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some action.
Writ – A formal written order issued by a body with legal authority, typically a court.

Sources

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Detention of Meghna Alam Under the Special Powers Act Sparks Human Rights Concerns

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