Bangladeshi model and actress Meghna Alam has been arrested under the country’s strict Special Powers Act for allegedly attempting to harm diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, according to local media reports.
Her arrest has ignited widespread criticism, particularly due to the manner in which it occurred. Members of the Detective Branch (DB) of the Bangladesh Police reportedly raided her home late Wednesday night while she was livestreaming on Facebook and proclaiming her innocence. In the now-deleted 12-minute video, officers were seen entering the premises and identifying themselves before the stream was abruptly cut.
Bangladeshi Authorities on this arrest
Local daily Prothom Alo reported that Alam was taken into custody without formal charges, raising concerns of abduction. In response to the backlash, authorities denied these allegations and insisted that standard procedures were followed. The senior DB officer responsible for the operation has since been removed from his position.
At a subsequent press conference, Asif Nazrul, legal advisor to the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, acknowledged that arresting Alam under the Special Powers Act was an error. She was presented in a Dhaka court the following day, which ordered her to remain in custody for 30 days.
ALSO READ: Days after Yunus’s ‘Northeast India is landlocked’ remark, India revokes transshipment facility to Bangladesh
Alleged Affair with Saudi Diplomat at the Heart of Controversy
The controversy reportedly stems from Alam’s alleged relationship with a foreign diplomat—believed to be the former Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh. In previously posted content on Facebook, which has since been deleted, Alam claimed to have been involved with the diplomat, unaware that he was already married.
Her father, Badrul Alam, confirmed the relationship in an interview with The Daily Star, saying his daughter rejected a marriage proposal from the ambassador upon discovering he had a wife and children. According to him, Meghna contacted the diplomat’s wife directly after learning the truth.
He further alleged that the ambassador used his influence with Bangladesh’s Home Ministry, which then directed authorities to detain her.
