At least four people have reportedly been arrested in Bangladesh over social media posts critical of the government, in what observers describe as part of a broader pattern of pressure on dissent.
According to the reported details, the latest arrest took place on 17 April 2026, when A.M. Hasan Nasim was detained from his home in Dhaka over a cartoon shared online that referred to a political figure. A case was filed against him under the 2025 Cyber Security Ordinance.
Earlier, on 5 April, Sawoda Sumi was also arrested over Facebook posts described by authorities as “anti-government.” The detention was reportedly carried out under provisions allowing arrest without a warrant.
The arrests have renewed concerns over shrinking civic space and the use of digital and criminal laws against critics in Bangladesh. Rights advocates say such measures create a chilling effect on journalists, activists, and ordinary social media users.
Calls are growing for authorities to review restrictive laws and end the criminalization of peaceful expression online.
