Bangladeshi Actress Meghna Alam Arrested Over Alleged Remarks Involving Saudi Diplomat

DHAKA: Bangladeshi model and actress Meghna Alam was arrested by police after she allegedly made claims that could harm diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, according to local media reports.

The arrest was carried out by the Detective Branch (DB) of Bangladesh Police during a Facebook livestream in which Alam claimed she had a relationship with a Saudi diplomat. The 12-minute video, which has since been deleted, showed authorities entering her home and identifying themselves before the livestream abruptly ended.

Alam was detained under the Special Powers Act, a controversial law that permits detention without formal charges for reasons related to national security and public order. Her arrest triggered widespread public criticism, ultimately resulting in the removal of the senior DB official who led the operation.

Government legal advisor Asif Nazrul later acknowledged that invoking the Special Powers Act in Alam’s case was inappropriate. Despite the admission, a Dhaka court ordered a 30-day judicial remand, sending the actress to jail.

Alam’s father, Badrul Alam, revealed that the diplomat she referenced in the video was in fact the Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh and alleged that his daughter had been involved in a relationship with the married official.