Arrest of A K M Jamal Uddin Sparks Debate Over Freedom of Expression in Bangladesh
The arrest of A K M Jamal Uddin while he was participating in a peaceful program at Gulistan Zero Point in Dhaka has raised new questions about freedom of expression and the right to hold political programs in a democratic country.
On Wednesday morning, the sociology professor of Dhaka University went to Gulistan Zero Point to observe a program titled ‘Bangabandhu Peace March–2026’. Members of the Bangladesh Police from Paltan Police Station detained him there. Later, police filed a case against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act, acting as the complainant.
Inspector (Investigation) of Paltan Police Station, Moniruzzaman Sheikh said, “He has been arrested in that case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act.”
Professor Jamal Uddin is known as a teacher affiliated with the pro-Awami League ‘Nil Dal’ group at Dhaka University. Earlier in December last year, he was reportedly harassed on the university campus.
After the national election, on February 15, he again faced obstruction and alleged harassment while attempting to observe a program called ‘Gonokanna’ at Dhanmondi 32.
Most recently, he announced a program titled ‘Bangabandhu Peace March–2026’ and went to the Zero Point area early Wednesday morning. The program was scheduled to take place from March 11 to March 16.
However, police detained him even before the program began, prompting many in civil society to question whether the right to hold peaceful political or social programs is truly ensured in a democratic state. Critics say that obstructing such programs and making arrests without evidence of violence or disorder may go against democratic practices.
Police, however, say that the action was taken within the framework of the law.
