Repressive laws have no place in post-uprising Bangladesh. It's unfortunate that such a thing needs to be reiterated even now—after over eight months since the political changeover—following an abuse of the Special Powers Act that led to a model being incarcerated. Both the manner in which she was picked up and her subsequent 30-day detention under this law have brought, for many, painful memories of similar abuses of draconian laws during the rule of now-deposed Sheikh Hasina. For decades, this law has been a symbol of state repression. That it is still being invoked today, under a non-political government no less, raises troubling questions about whether the state machinery has truly turned a corner, or whether it remains addicted to the same old authoritarian tools of control.

Reportedly, former Miss Earth Bangladesh Meghna Alam was forcibly taken from her home by men identifying themselves as police officers on Wednesday. They produced no warrant, and even violated the High Court guideline for warrantless arrests, which says officers must properly identify themselves, explain the reason for arrest, and allow the person to contact a lawyer or meet their relatives. Moreover, Meghna was held incommunicado for over 24 hours, and later sent to jail under vague and sweeping allegations—mostly based on a personal dispute involving a Saudi diplomat—that fail to meet the threshold of a "prejudicial act" as defined by the law, according to Supreme Court lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua. We understand the sensitivity of the issue involved, but that is all the more reason why due process should have been followed from the start.

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Repeal Special Powers Act

On Sunday, the law adviser, Asif Nazrul, has acknowledged that the arrest procedure was not correct. The authorities have already removed Detective Branch chief Rezaul Karim Mallick from his post. This can be indicative of the government taking accountability measures, or maybe it is just damage control amid fierce criticism by rights activists and social media commentators. Whatever the reason may be, the fact is, such statements and initiatives mean little if they are not followed by concrete actions to repeal the very abusive law in question and bring in systemic reforms to ensure that officers never bypass due process under any circumstances.

The incident serves as a wake-up call for the interim government. Citizens did not rise against a dictator last year simply to change the faces in power. Their want a complete overhaul of the way power has been abused, whether by police or powerful political actors. So, all repressive laws like the Special Powers Act must go, and overzealous officers still beholden to abusive tendencies must be duly punished. The authorities also must allow for a fresh, impartial investigation into the whole Meghna Alam saga, ensuring her rights and dignity as an accused.