Arrest of Bangladesh actress Meghna Alam under special powers act and a 'married' Saudi diplomat connection

Arrest of actress Meghna Alam in Bangladesh under special powers act has led to public outcry. A Dhaka court had ordered a 30-day detention of Meghna Alam, the winner of Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020 and a film actress, under the special powers act, citing concerns over public safety, state security, and law and order.

The actress-model was on charges of jeopardizing Bangladesh's diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.

The order was issued following a petition by the Detective Branch of police, Bangladesh national Alikito Bangladesh reported. Meghna was subsequently sent to Kashimpur Jail.

The court directive stated: "To prevent actions detrimental to public safety and to maintain law and order, Meghna Alam has been ordered to be detained in jail for 30 days under Section 3(1) of the Special Powers Act, 1974, with approval from the relevant authorities."

The arrest came after a controversial Facebook Live broadcast by Meghna was abruptly interrupted, allegedly after police officers entered her home and the room where she was streaming. The live session, which lasted over 12 minutes, was later deleted.

Meghna Alam allegedly made a series of social media posts claiming she had a personal relationship with the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Dhaka. In the posts, she accused the diplomat of engaging in an affair with her despite being married with children. Meghna further alleged that, after discovering sensitive information about him, the ambassador was now using his diplomatic influence to pressure the Bangladesh government into silencing her.

Under Bangladesh’s special powers act, authorities can detain individuals without formal charges or trial for a limited period if they are deemed a threat to public or state security.