Fresh from jail for dissent, and celebrated by Time magazine for fearless journalism, Shahidul Alam is not hiding as his native Bangladesh approaches an election he fears could be rigged.

More than 100 million voters are registered for the December 30 poll in the South Asia nation -- one of the world's largest democratic exercises.

But Alam, an award-winning photojournalist and activist, says a climate of fear gripping Bangladesh could keep many away from the ballot box and encourage self-censorship by the country's browbeaten free press.

"I hope for a free and fair election," he told AFP 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.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is seeking a third-straight term, has been accused of intolerance to dissent and creeping authoritarianism in her nearly decade in power.

Alam, who this week was named one of Time magazine's "Persons of the Year" alongside other free-press champions, is no stranger to falling foul of her rule.

In August, in a television interview, Alam criticised the government's handling of major student rallies 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.

Hasina publicly derided the internationally renowned photographer as "mentally sick".

"I hope this sickness is something that is contagious, that many other people become sick like me and come out and speak the truth," Alam said.

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 tunic needed washing before he appeared in court.

There, in a defiant show of force, he raised his fist for the waiting cameras.

"I was hit. I was blindfolded. I was handcuffed. I was threatened with waterboarding", he told AFP 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".

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 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.

"That does not bode well. It does not indicate the genuine intention of holding a free and fair election."

To compound matters, Bangladesh media was unwilling to "talk about things that are really happening" in the nation of 160 million along the Bay of Bengal, fearing retaliation.

Rights groups have accused Hasina of stifling dissent by wielding draconian laws to curb free speech, and using police and the courts to cow opponents

Alam said it was vital 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."

Fresh from jail for dissent, and celebrated by Time magazine for fearless journalism, Shahidul Alam is not hiding as his native Bangladesh approaches an election he fears could be rigged.

Fresh from jail for dissent, and celebrated by Time magazine for fearless journalism, Shahidul Alam is not hiding as his native Bangladesh approaches an election he fears could be rigged. More than 100 million voters are registered for the December 30 poll in the South Asia nation -- one of the world's largest democratic exercises. But Alam, an award-winning photojournalist and activist, says a climate of fear gripping Bangladesh could keep many away from the ballot box and encourage self-censorship by the country's browbeaten free press. "I hope for a free and fair election," he told AFP 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. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is seeking a third-straight term, has been accused of intolerance to dissent and creeping authoritarianism in her nearly decade in power. Alam, who this week was named one of Time magazine's "Persons of the Year" alongside other free-press champions, is no stranger to falling foul of her rule. In August, in a television interview, Alam criticised the government's handling of major student rallies 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. Hasina publicly derided the internationally renowned photographer as "mentally sick". "I hope this sickness is something that is contagious, that many other people become sick like me and come out and speak the truth," Alam said. 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 tunic needed washing before he appeared in court. There, in a defiant show of force, he raised his fist for the waiting cameras. "I was hit. I was blindfolded. I was handcuffed. I was threatened with waterboarding", he told AFP 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". 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 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. "That does not bode well. It does not indicate the genuine intention of holding a free and fair election." To compound matters, Bangladesh media was unwilling to "talk about things that are really happening" in the nation of 160 million along the Bay of Bengal, fearing retaliation. Rights groups have accused Hasina of stifling dissent by wielding draconian laws to curb free speech, and using police and the courts to cow opponents Alam said it was vital 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."

Top dissident warns Bangladesh at 'critical juncture'

Award-winning Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam was released from prison Tuesday after more than 100 days behind bars, in a closely watched freedom of speech case.

The 63-year-old <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-bangladeshi-photographer-arrested-for-demo-interview-157378">Alam was arrested on August 5</a> for making "false" and "provocative" statements on Al Jazeera television and Facebook during student protests.

He was freed from Dhaka's main jail Tuesday after being granted bail last week.

Alam told AFP he hoped his release would "signal freedom for many others" also detained during the massive student demonstrations.

"It is a fantastic feeling to be free in a free country, breathing free air. But I hope for freedom for everyone else," he said.

He was held under controversial internet laws which critics say have been wielded by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stifle dissent and harass journalists.

Alam spoke briefly to reporters after he came out of prison to describe conditions inside jail, Alam's close associate Rezaur Rahman told AFP.

The photographer had previously said he was badly beaten while in custody.

Although Alam was granted bail on Thursday last week, he had to wait another five days to be set free as the prosecution moved to appeal against the bail order.

He had earlier applied unsuccessfully for bail four times.

Mass rallies 
Alam, whose work has appeared widely in global media and who founded the renowned Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, faces a maximum 14 years in jail if convicted.&nbsp;

His lawyers have argued that Alam's detention was "a clear violation" of his fundamental rights under Bangladesh's constitution.

The photographer's arrest triggered international protests -- with rights groups, Nobel laureates and academics calling for his release -- and followed a series of mass rallies this summer after two teenagers were killed by a speeding bus.

The massive protests evolved into broader demonstrations against Hasina, who will seek a third consecutive term next month, and her Awami League party.

Alam told Al Jazeera at the time that the protests were the result of pent-up anger at corruption and an "unelected government... clinging on by brute force".

He was arrested the same day, with many other protesters held on similar charges as authorities cracked down on demonstrators.

In reaction to Alam's release, Amnesty International said Tuesday Bangladesh authorities must immediately drop charges against him and "uphold its international commitments to protect the right to freedom of expression".

"Shahidul Alam is a bold representation of Bangladesh through his lens. He should not have been detained at the first place," said Saad Hammadi, Amnesty International's Regional Campaigner for South Asia.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch accused Bangladesh of targeting activists and journalists in the wake of the protests instead of prosecuting those who attacked students with fists and rods.

Michelle Bachelet used her first statement as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to raise the issue of attacks on journalists in Bangladesh.

In recent weeks, Hasina has been accused of stifling dissent further by ratifying a controversial new digital-security law.

And a prominent critic of the government was arrested for defamation last month, days after he helped form an opposition coalition.

Award-winning Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam was released from prison Tuesday after more than 100 days behind bars, in a closely watched freedom of speech case.

Award-winning Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam was released from prison Tuesday after more than 100 days behind bars, in a closely watched freedom of speech case. The 63-year-old Alam was arrested on August 5 for making "false" and "provocative" statements on Al Jazeera television and Facebook during student protests. He was freed from Dhaka's main jail Tuesday after being granted bail last week. Alam told AFP he hoped his release would "signal freedom for many others" also detained during the massive student demonstrations. "It is a fantastic feeling to be free in a free country, breathing free air. But I hope for freedom for everyone else," he said. He was held under controversial internet laws which critics say have been wielded by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stifle dissent and harass journalists. Alam spoke briefly to reporters after he came out of prison to describe conditions inside jail, Alam's close associate Rezaur Rahman told AFP. The photographer had previously said he was badly beaten while in custody. Although Alam was granted bail on Thursday last week, he had to wait another five days to be set free as the prosecution moved to appeal against the bail order. He had earlier applied unsuccessfully for bail four times. Mass rallies Alam, whose work has appeared widely in global media and who founded the renowned Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, faces a maximum 14 years in jail if convicted. His lawyers have argued that Alam's detention was "a clear violation" of his fundamental rights under Bangladesh's constitution. The photographer's arrest triggered international protests -- with rights groups, Nobel laureates and academics calling for his release -- and followed a series of mass rallies this summer after two teenagers were killed by a speeding bus. The massive protests evolved into broader demonstrations against Hasina, who will seek a third consecutive term next month, and her Awami League party. Alam told Al Jazeera at the time that the protests were the result of pent-up anger at corruption and an "unelected government... clinging on by brute force". He was arrested the same day, with many other protesters held on similar charges as authorities cracked down on demonstrators. In reaction to Alam's release, Amnesty International said Tuesday Bangladesh authorities must immediately drop charges against him and "uphold its international commitments to protect the right to freedom of expression". "Shahidul Alam is a bold representation of Bangladesh through his lens. He should not have been detained at the first place," said Saad Hammadi, Amnesty International's Regional Campaigner for South Asia. Human Rights Watch accused Bangladesh of targeting activists and journalists in the wake of the protests instead of prosecuting those who attacked students with fists and rods. Michelle Bachelet used her first statement as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to raise the issue of attacks on journalists in Bangladesh. In recent weeks, Hasina has been accused of stifling dissent further by ratifying a controversial new digital-security law. And a prominent critic of the government was arrested for defamation last month, days after he helped form an opposition coalition.

Bangladeshi activist Shahidul Alam freed after 100 days behind bars

A protest was held in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for the release of prominent photojournalist Shahidul Alam who was arrested in Bangladesh for allegedly giving an interview to&nbsp;Al-Jazeera against the government.

The protest, led by a group of journalists of Sri Lanka also included media rights and human rights activists.

The protestors held the demonstration outside Bangladesh high commission and demanded the release of the photojournalist.

A petition addressing Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina was also handed over to High Commission in which protestors condemned the detention and called for immediate release.

"We also call for a stop to all attacks on freedom of expression, enforced disappearances extrajudicial execution and other human rights violations in Bangladesh and to ensure an independent and impartial investigation into those violations," The petition read.

The protest has also received support on social media.

Alam, 63, was arrested in August in Dhaka for sedition, hours after he gave an interview to Al-Jazeera regarding students' protests.

In the interview, he spoke against the Hasina's government and its crackdown on students' protests calling for better road safety regulations.

He was arrested on charges of spreading rumours on social media with the aim of inciting violence, said Dhaka's additional deputy commissioner of police, Obaidur Rahman. Shahidul Alam was later charged for spreading information that would "deprave or corrupt" or prejudice the "image of the state".

His arrest has caused international outrage.

Rights group Amnesty International has also called for Alam's immediate and unconditional release, saying he was held after an interview to Al-Jazeera English on the Dhaka protests.

A protest was held in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for the release of prominent photojournalist Shahidul Alam who was arrested in Bangladesh for allegedly giving an interview to Al-Jazeera against the government.

A protest was held in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for the release of prominent photojournalist Shahidul Alam who was arrested in Bangladesh for allegedly giving an interview to Al-Jazeera against the government. The protest, led by a group of journalists of Sri Lanka also included media rights and human rights activists. The protestors held the demonstration outside Bangladesh high commission and demanded the release of the photojournalist. A petition addressing Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina was also handed over to High Commission in which protestors condemned the detention and called for immediate release. "We also call for a stop to all attacks on freedom of expression, enforced disappearances extrajudicial execution and other human rights violations in Bangladesh and to ensure an independent and impartial investigation into those violations," The petition read. The protest has also received support on social media. Alam, 63, was arrested in August in Dhaka for sedition, hours after he gave an interview to Al-Jazeera regarding students' protests. In the interview, he spoke against the Hasina's government and its crackdown on students' protests calling for better road safety regulations. He was arrested on charges of spreading rumours on social media with the aim of inciting violence, said Dhaka's additional deputy commissioner of police, Obaidur Rahman. Shahidul Alam was later charged for spreading information that would "deprave or corrupt" or prejudice the "image of the state". His arrest has caused international outrage. Rights group Amnesty International has also called for Alam's immediate and unconditional release, saying he was held after an interview to Al-Jazeera English on the Dhaka protests.

Sri Lankan journalists hold protest, demand release of Bangladeshi photojournalist

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Top dissident warns Bangladesh at 'critical juncture'

Bangladeshi activist Shahidul Alam freed after 100 days behind bars

Sri Lankan journalists hold protest, demand release of Bangladeshi photojournalist