The Coalition for Human Rights and Democracy in Bangladesh expresses deep concern over the detention of Azhar Mahmood, the former secretary of Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) and editor of Campus Live. Mr. Mahmood has been detained under the Digital Security Act. CHRD Bangladesh demands the immediate and unconditional release of Azhar Mahmood and firmly believes that the government has introduced this black law to silence the journalists in Bangladesh.
According to media reports, a Professor of Haji Mohammad Danesh University of Science and Technology, SM Harun-ur-Rashid, filed a case against four journalists, including the Editor-in-Chief of Campus Live, under the Digital Security Act.
As many as 1,134 cases were files last year against journalists and alleged government critics under the draconian online security law, according to Ain-O-Salish Kendra (ASK). By comparison, 130 lawsuits were filed in 2020 and 63 cases in 2019.
Mr. Mahmood is completely innocent and should be released immediately.