HRW Slams Bangladesh Arrests Over Critical Social Media Posts

Human Rights Watch condemned Bangladesh's recent arrests of critics for social media posts.

Bangladesh's interim government faces mounting criticism after the recent arrest of at least four individuals for allegedly insulting government figures on social media. Human Rights Watch (HRW) voiced strong opposition, warning these detentions reflect persistent constraints on civil and digital freedoms under Muhammad Yunus's administration.

• On April 17, 2026, A.M. Hasan Nasim was arrested in Dhaka over a Facebook cartoon depicting a lawmaker, charged under the 2025 Cyber Security Ordinance before being granted bail days later.
• Sawoda Sumi and Azizul Haque, both opposition affiliates, faced detention in early April and late March, respectively. Sumi was held under section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code, while Haque faced additional anti-terror charges for a Facebook post criticizing the prime minister.
• Shaon Mahmud, accused of online insults against the prime minister, was reportedly abducted by ruling party youth members and transferred to police custody, leading to arrest under anti-terror laws.

HRW Asia Deputy Director Meenakshi Ganguly cautioned, “It is deeply troubling that within months of taking office, the BNP government is arresting social media users for allegedly posting content it dislikes.” HRW flagged the 2025 Cyber Security Ordinance for "overly broad definitions" and weak oversight, making it ripe for abuse.

Since 2024, the interim government has banned opposition activities using new anti-terror powers and reportedly arbitrarily detained thousands. The risks of digital repression now extend to possible violence: journalists face mounting threats, and media offices have come under mob attack in recent months.

Legal and technology professionals monitoring Bangladesh should be aware of these risks to digital free speech, as ongoing constraints could complicate compliance, advocacy, and international legal coordination.