Online Reporter/

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) strongly condemned the fact that Pratham Alor journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams was picked up from his home late at night and brought to court after 30 hours showing his arrest under the Digital Security Act.

TIB condemned this in a statement sent to the media on Thursday. The organization demanded the unconditional release of journalist Shams and the immediate repeal of the Digital Security Act out of respect for the democratic system.

The organization feels that this incident has violated the constitutional right to security of life of a journalist, a citizen of the country. It has also set a terrible example of media control and ‘discipline’ when necessary.

TIB’s Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “Shams’ constitutional rights as a journalist and as a citizen have been severely violated. Because, under the existing law, if a person is lawfully detained, the law enforcement agencies have clearly failed to comply with the obligation to produce the person in court within 24 hours of detention. Even, the case in which he was taken to the court after showing detention, was filed more than 20 hours after the withdrawal.

If there is any mistake or inconsistency in any report published in the media, someone can be offended and there is a press council law in the country to resolve it and there is an opportunity to take action according to the existing law. The provision of non-bailable arrest clauses in the Security Act makes clear the government’s intention to control the media and punish critical or dissenting voices, which is tantamount to stifling media freedom.’