Human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has condemned the arrest of a man for allegedly posting derogatory remarks about BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on social media.
According to media reports, a local BNP leader filed a case on January 21, 2026, with Parbatipur Model Police Station in Dinajpur against Golam Mostafa, accusing him of making negative comments on Facebook. ASK noted that Mostafa had been detained by police on the night of January 20, before the case was filed, and kept overnight at the station.
The next day, he was presented before a court, which sent him to jail in connection with the case.
ASK emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right under the Constitution of Bangladesh. Article 39 guarantees citizens’ freedom of thought, conscience, and expression. The organization said that criticism, discussion, and dissent regarding political figures and public leaders are natural and essential in a democracy.
ASK also cited a recent Dhaka incident where Shahidul Islam, a teacher at a technical training centre, was detained by BNP activists and handed over to Shahbagh police for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Tarique Rahman during a visit to Osman Hadi’s grave. Police cited Section 54 of the Penal Code, and he was sent to jail through court proceedings before being released on bail. The BNP later demanded his release, calling arrest and imprisonment over expression of opinion unjustified.
The organization noted that in recent years, numerous citizens have faced arrest, detention, and harassment under restrictive laws such as the Digital Security Act for allegedly making derogatory comments about political figures. ASK warned that such practices create a culture of fear and significantly reduce the space for free expression.
“Treating political discussion or commentary as a criminal act reflects excessive enforcement and contradicts democratic principles,” ASK said. It added that responding to dissent through political dialogue strengthens democracy, while lawsuits and imprisonment shrink democratic space. ASK called on political leaders and parties to demonstrate greater tolerance, openness, and democratic conduct.
