PEN Bangladesh has called for the release of journalist Rezanur Islam and expressed concern over the use of criminal proceedings against media professionals following his arrest in connection with a case filed over a report alleging corruption.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the organization said Rezanur Islam, acting editor of Dainik Agrojatra Pratidin, was arrested by members of the Bogra Detective Branch (DB) on the night of June 18 from the Board Bazar area of Gazipur Sadar upazila.
According to the statement, he was produced before a court the following day and sent to Bogra jail under a court order.
The arrest followed a complaint filed on June 15 by Tanvir Alam Rimon, treasurer of the Bogra Press Club and northern regional representative of The New Nation, regarding a report published by the newspaper concerning alleged corruption involving LGRD State Minister Mir Shahe Alam.
The complaint names six individuals associated with the publication, including its publisher, editors and reporters.
According to information cited by PEN Bangladesh, the complainant alleged that the report contained false and defamatory information and that material from a June 12 press conference at the Bogra Press Club had been distorted and circulated through social media platforms.
The case was registered as a first information report (FIR) with Bogra Sadar Police Station and is being investigated by the Bogra Detective Branch under several provisions of the Cyber Security Act 2026.
In its statement, PEN Bangladesh said the right to investigate and report on matters of public interest is a key component of freedom of expression and public accountability.
The organization expressed concern that arrests and criminal charges related to journalistic reporting could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism.
The organization also questioned the use of provisions of the Cyber Security Act in cases involving alleged defamation or reputational disputes arising from news reporting.
PEN Bangladesh called for a transparent review of the FIR and related investigative procedures and urged authorities to ensure compliance with constitutional protections and international commitments related to freedom of expression.
The organization further urged authorities to safeguard the role of journalists, uphold due process and ensure that any legal measures taken are proportionate and consistent with the law.