United News of Bangladesh

Action against model Meghna Alam has been taken in accordance with the existing laws and no one has been subjected to unlawful treatment during the process, said Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Home Affairs Md Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury on Tuesday. “All steps were taken under the framework of the law and there has been no deviation from legal procedures. This (Special Powers) Act is being used. It’s not like this law is not being used. It is not even that this is the only instance the law has been used. It’s not an illegal act,” he told reporters in reply to a question about the criticism surrounding Meghna Alam’s detention under the Special Powers Act. Why Meghna Alam’s arrest should not be declared illegal: HC Khoda Bakhsh was speaking after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat. "But if you ask why or what happened in this particular case—a certain incident happened, a complaint came, work is going on about this. The matter has gone to the High Court. Once it goes to the High Court, it becomes a sub judice matter. It’s not right to talk about sub judice matters. Let’s see what’s in there," he added. Khoda Bakhsh said action had been taken under the existing law without any illegal treatment, assured that they would respond to the High Court's inquiry, and added that everything would be provided in due time, though it was not appropriate to discuss the matter in advance. DB detains ex-Miss Earth Bangladesh Meghna Alam Meghna Alam, model and chairperson of Miss Bangladesh Foundation who also held the title of Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020, was taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) under the Special Powers Act on April 7. On April 10, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sefatullah sentenced Meghna to a 30-day jail in a case filed under Special Power Act. Meghna Alam’s arrest process was not appropriate: Asif Nazrul Later, she was sent to the Kashimpur Jail. Meanwhile, Meghna’s father filed a writ petition at the High Court challenging the lower court order.

The process of arresting model Meghna Alam was not appropriate, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said on Sunday. “Although there are specific allegations, the process followed under the Special Powers Act to arrest her was not appropriate. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, the Home Ministry will take proper action in accordance with the law,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on recent issues. Meghna Alam, the winner of Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020, was sent to jail two days after being detained by the police from her residence in Dhaka. A court ordered her detention under the Special Powers Act for 30 days. Law Ministry recommends withdrawal of 7,184 politically-motivated cases:  Asif Nazrul “The Home Ministry issued the detention order against Meghna that sparked huge controversy, and we have discussed the matter at the highest level of government. We are aware of the concerns raised by various human rights organisations and other stakeholders,” the adviser said. Ethnic community members to lead Boishakhi Shobhajatra in Dhaka: Asif Nazrul He said the police are currently investigating some allegations against Meghna Alam. When asked about reports linking Meghna Alam with the immediate past Saudi ambassador, the law adviser said, “We have not discussed that matter.”