Detained for Defamation: Meghna Alam Held Under Special Powers Act
Actress-turned-social media entrepreneur Meghna Alam has been placed in custody for 30 days under the Special Powers Act, following allegations that she attempted to damage interstate relations and spread misinformation about a prominent individual. Police authorities have confirmed she is currently under protective custody.
On Friday, April 11, Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media and Public Relations Division, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, clarified to the press, "The allegation of abduction is not correct. Meghna Alam has the right to seek legal protection."
According to police sources, Meghna Alam is accused of attempting to disrupt national security, spreading falsehoods about key individuals, and conspiring to harm the country economically. Authorities claim that her detention was carried out in accordance with proper legal procedures.
On Thursday night, a Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court granted a 30-day detention order under the Special Powers Act of 1974, following a petition by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
The court order stated:
“In order to prevent her from committing acts prejudicial to public safety and law and order, and in the interest of maintaining law and order, Meghna Alam is to be detained in prison for 30 days under Section 3(1) of the Special Powers Act, 1974.”
She was subsequently transferred to Kashimpur High-Security Central Jail in Gazipur.
The arrest followed an incident on Wednesday evening, when Meghna Alam was livestreaming on Facebook. During the live session, she alleged that individuals identifying themselves as police forcibly entered her home by breaking down the door. The livestream, which lasted over 12 minutes, was abruptly cut off and later deleted.
Meghna Alam first gained national attention after winning the Miss Earth Bangladesh title in October 2020. The pageant, which emphasizes environmental awareness, recognized her initiative to empower women by repurposing discarded plastic materials into new products for sale.
Her arrest has stirred discussions online, especially regarding the boundaries of digital expression and national security concerns.
