Bangladesh accused of torturing jailed photographer, protest leaders
(CNN) Massive protests in Bangladesh have given way to a burgeoning social media campaign to free imprisoned critics of the government who are allegedly being tortured -- including Shahidul Alam, one of the country's most famous photographers and social activists.
Authorities have denied torturing Alam or anyone else, calling allegations of abuse "completely false."
Alam, a well-known figure in the South Asian journalist community, was dragged from his home by 30 to 35 police officers in civilian clothes at about 10 p.m. Sunday, his partner Rahnuma Ahmed said in a statement.
The arrest took place just hours after Alam was interviewed by Al Jazeera about the mass student-led protests that erupted after the driver of a privately operated bus ran over a group of students, killing two.
Alam accused the government of clinging on to power by "brute force" in the interview.
While being escorted to court Monday, Alam told reporters he had been beaten by police and hadn't been given access to a lawyer.
"They washed my blood-stained tunic and then I was made to wear it again," Alam said while being physically escorted to court. He appeared to require support from police personnel to walk though it was not clear whether this was due to the alleged torture. He had no visible bruises.
"I urge the citizens of the country to protest. I have been told that if I don't obey their instructions they will hurt me more," he told reporters.
Others in jail may face similar treatment, activists say.
Drik Picture Library Limited, an multimedia organization founded by Alam, said in a statement Wednesday that student protest leaders risk being subjected to torture in police custody as well as harassment and intimidation.
Alam is still behind bars. He has been charged with spreading rumors and false information via text messages and inciting violence against the state. If convicted, he faces a minimum of seven years in prison.