Bangladesh at 'critical juncture': Shahidul Alam

Fresh out of jail and celebrated by Time magazine for fearless journalism, award-winning photojournalist Shahidul Alam says a climate of fear gripping Bangladesh could keep many away from the ballot box at the upcoming national election.

“I hope for a free and fair election,” he told the agency in an interview in Dhaka.

“But I am pretty certain that is not how it is going to be, based on how things are shaping up.”

The opposition says its candidates have been disqualified and supporters jailed in a pre-election crackdown, and political rallies turned violent almost as soon as campaigning began.

Alam was recently named one of Time magazine's “Persons of the Year” alongside other free-press champions. 

In August, during a television interview, Alam criticised the government's handling of major student protests that were gripping Bangladesh.

He was arrested in a midnight raid on his home and charged with making “false” and “provocative” statements – offences carrying a maximum 14 years in jail.

His detention sparked global outrage and became a closely watched freedom of speech case.

Alam, 63, says he was beaten in custody so badly his clothes needed washing before he appeared in court.

“I was hit. I was blindfolded. I was handcuffed. I was threatened with waterboarding,” he told the agency of his stretch behind bars.

Police have denied assaulting Alam in custody.

'LET PEOPLE SPEAK'

After 108 days, he was released from prison in late November on bail.

But despite his torment, and facing serious jail time, Alam has refused to bow down as the election looms, warning Bangladesh is at a “critical juncture”.

Sheikh Hasina was elected unchallenged in 2014 after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the vote, alleging it was rigged.

This time around the BNP, the main opposition party, is contesting the poll but without its leader Khaleda Zia, Hasina's chief rival and twice Bangladesh's prime minister.

Zia is behind bars on corruption charges her supporters say were politically motivated to keep her out of the race.

The opposition is yet to nominate a challenger to Hasina, with other key figures in exile or also languishing in prison.

“The opposition is being arrested in hordes,” Alam said.

Rights groups have accused Hasina of stifling dissent by wielding draconian laws to curb free speech, and using police and the courts to intimidate opponents.

Alam said it was vital that Bangladesh, and its democratic champions, did not lose sight of what was at stake and kept up the fight in the coming weeks.

“We live in a free country, supposedly. Why not let people speak their will?” he said.

“It is time for me and everyone else to ensure a free, fair and participatory election takes place. And all of us should do everything in our power to ensure that happens.”