The Tragic Death of Mushtaq Ahmed: A Disturbing Reflection of Repression in Bangladesh
Mushtaq Ahmed’s tragic death in a Bangladeshi prison exposes the government’s relentless assault on freedom of expression. Arrested for social media posts critical of COVID-19 measures, Ahmed was held under the draconian Digital Security Act (DSA), denied bail six times, and left to endure squalid prison conditions that many call a form of psychological torture. His “crime” was exercising free speech—a right the DSA has increasingly weaponized against journalists, activists, and everyday citizens. If Bangladesh wishes to honor its legacy of independence, it must end its repression, repeal the DSA, and ensure no one else dies for simply speaking out.