PEN Bangladesh has called for the immediate release of journalist Rezanur Islam, acting editor of Dainik Agrojatra Pratidin, after his arrest in connection with a case filed over a report alleging corruption involving LGRD State Minister Mir Shahe Alam.
In a statement issued recently, the organisation said Rezanur Islam was arrested by a Bogra Detective Branch team on the night of June 18 from the Board Bazar area under Gacha union in Gazipur Sadar upazila. He was produced before a court the following day and sent to Bogra jail under a court order, PEN Bangladesh said in a press release.
According to the statement, the arrest followed a complaint filed on June 15 by Tanvir Alam Rimon, treasurer of Bogra Press Club and northern regional representative of The New Nation. The complaint relates to a report published by Dainik Agrojatra Pratidin concerning alleged corruption involving Mir Shahe Alam.
The complaint names six individuals associated with the newspaper, including its publisher, editors and reporters.
PEN Bangladesh said public reports indicate the complainant alleged that the published material was false and defamatory and that content from a June 12 press conference at Bogra Press Club had been distorted and circulated on social media.
The case has been recorded as a first information report at Bogra Sadar Police Station and is being investigated by the Bogra Detective Branch under multiple sections of the Cyber Security Act 2026, according to the statement.
PEN Bangladesh said the right to investigate and publish matters of public interest is a fundamental component of freedom of expression and democratic accountability. The organisation argued that criminal charges and arrests linked to routine journalistic reporting could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism.
The organisation also expressed concern over the use of the Cyber Security Act 2026 and criminal proceedings to address alleged defamation or reputational disputes arising from news reporting, saying such measures could be disproportionate and inconsistent with international standards protecting freedom of expression.
PEN Bangladesh called for the immediate and unconditional release of Rezanur Islam unless credible and independently verifiable evidence of a recognisably criminal act is produced and any proceedings follow clear and proportionate legal standards.
The organisation also urged a prompt and transparent review of the FIR and related investigative actions to ensure compliance with constitutional guarantees and international obligations on freedom of expression.
PEN Bangladesh further called on authorities to protect the role of journalists in holding power to account, respect due process and ensure that any legal response remains lawful, necessary and proportionate. It said it stood in solidarity with Rezanur Islam, his colleagues and all media professionals reporting on matters of public interest.
