Bangladeshi Activists Condemn Move as Attack on Free Speech
Dhaka, August 7:
Bangladeshi police on Thursday arrested Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, former Vice Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, in connection with a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The arrest, which took place at his residence in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka, was confirmed by Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
According to reports by leading Bengali daily Jugantor, the ACC registered a case on June 18 against five individuals, including Kalimullah, accusing them of embezzling funds intended for the university’s development. The former VC was taken into custody by a team from the Detective Branch.
The arrest has sparked strong criticism from civil society and activists. Prominent Bangladeshi rights advocate B M Jahid Hasan took to social media to denounce the move, calling it a violation of freedom of expression. “Kalimullah, a pioneer of the Liberation War spirit and a vocal critic of government policy, was arrested at a time when he was actively participating in televised debates. This is a blatant interference in free thought,” Hasan posted on X.
He described the arrest as “inhumane” and a “deliberate attack on democratic principles,” demanding Kalimullah’s immediate release and the resignation of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
Political analysts view the arrest as part of a broader pattern of alleged political vendetta pursued by the current regime. Several cases have reportedly been filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her allies, and officials since her ouster in August 2024.
The interim government, which took over amid global concerns, continues to face accusations of undermining democratic values and providing safe haven to radical elements, raising alarm among rights groups and international observers.
