Meghna Alam Arrested: Model's Detention Sparks Concern

Meghna Alam, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi model and former Miss Earth Bangladesh winner, was arrested on April 9 under the Special Powers Act for allegedly posing a threat to public safety, law, and order, after claiming to have had an affair with a married diplomat.

The arrest came after Meghna went live on Facebook, claiming that people claiming to be police were at her door, and she was later confirmed to be in custody by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. The police claimed that she was arrested for hampering diplomatic relationships and threatening to cause economic loss to the country. However, an adviser to the Bangladesh Ministry of Law later stated that proper procedures were not followed in her arrest.

Meghna's father corroborated her claims, stating that the diplomat, a former Saudi ambassador to Dhaka, had proposed marriage but was rejected due to his marital status. The arrest has sparked concern, with Amnesty International expressing worry over the use of the Special Powers Act, which has historically been used to arbitrarily detain people for long periods. Meghna is being held without formal charges and has been sent to Kashimpur jail for a 30-day detention.

The incident has raised concerns about the government's commitment to democratic reforms, with critics saying that the law itself should be repealed and systemic reforms implemented to prevent future abuses. The government has acknowledged the arrest procedure was incorrect, removed the Detective Branch chief, and promised accountability.

The case of Meghna Alam has become a test for the interim government, which rose to power after last year's uprising against the previous dictator. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns surrounding Meghna's arrest and the use of the Special Powers Act.