The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested senior journalist Anis Alamgir in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The case was lodged with Uttara Paschim Police Station in the capital, DMP DB chief Md Shafiqul Islam confirmed around 3:40 pm on Monday.
He said five people have been named as accused in the case, including Anis Alamgir, and that Alamgir has already been taken into custody.
According to police sources, Anis Alamgir was taken to the DB office on Sunday night for questioning. Speaking by phone around 8:30 pm, Alamgir said he was at the DB office after being brought in from a gym in Dhanmondi around 7:30 pm. He reached the office about an hour later and was informed that the DB chief would speak with him.
A senior DB official said on Monday morning that Alamgir remained at the DB office and that a decision regarding his status would be taken later in the day.
Earlier, a complaint under the Anti-Terrorism Act was filed on Sunday night at Uttara Paschim Police Station against Anis Alamgir, actress Meher Afroz Shaon, and four others. The complaint was submitted by Aryan Ahmed, central organiser of the July Revolutionary Alliance. Model Maria Kishpat and Imtu Ratish Imtiaz were also named.
At that time, the complaint had not yet been registered as a formal case. Uttara Paschim Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kazi Mohammad Rafiq Ahmed said further steps would be taken after consultation with senior officials.
Later, the DMP DB announced that Anis Alamgir had been arrested in connection with the case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Uttara Paschim Police Station.
Anis Alamgir is a senior journalist who has worked with several media outlets, including the daily Ajker Kagoj. In recent months, he has drawn attention for comments made on television talk shows.
