Amnesty International has demanded immediate release of journalist Anis Alamgir, who has been arrested in a case filed under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

Responding to the arrest, Amnesty International’s South Asia Researcher Rehab Mahamoor said on Wednesday that it reflects an “alarming trend” of individuals being targeted for being perceived to support activities of the now-banned Awami League.

“The interim government must respect its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and immediately release Anis Alamgir.”

“Rather than misusing anti-terror legislation to silence people expressing their views and opinions, the interim government and authorities should instead be facilitating freedom of expression and association, including in the lead up to elections,” Rehab Mahamoor said.

She urged the interim government to uphold its international obligations.

Alamgir was arrested on December 15 following a complaint alleging that he and four others used social media and other media platforms to spread propaganda in favour of the Awami League, according to media reports.

Amnesty International warned that using terror legislation to curb freedom of expression and association violates international law, especially ahead of Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for February 2026.

The rights group urged authorities to ensure a human rights-respecting environment regardless of political affiliation.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Bangladeshi authorities to immediately drop terrorism charges against the veteran journalist, to release him unconditionally, and to stop targeting the media under national security laws.