Bangladesh, Oct. 29 -- In Bangladesh today, the detention of Monjurul Alam Panna stands as an ominous testament to the shrinking space for free journalism and civic debate. This is not simply the story of one man behind bars. It is a warning – one that the nation cannot afford to ignore.

Panna, a journalist and YouTube channel creator known for his work on the platform Manchitro, was arrested after participating in a public round-table discussion on 29 August. The discussion—organized by the civil society platform ‘Mancha 71 and held at the auditorium of the independent association Dhaka Reporters Unity – was meant to reflect on the countrys Liberation War and the Constitution. Instead, the meeting was disrupted b...