Global Platforms -- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) – have 'strongly' condemned the arrest of journalist Sayed Khan and disappearance of Asif Shawkat Kallol for conducting investigation over the rapid killing in recent crackdown by the authorities.

“We strongly condemn these indiscriminate deaths, arbitrary arrests and remand of journalists involved in discharge of professional duties. Those involved in these illegitimate acts to attack and intimidate free media are exposing their own professional bankruptcy and their cowardly fear of truth and transparent reporting,” TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman told the Mirror Asia on Saturday.

Sayed Khan, Dhaka correspondent of The Mirror Asia, a German newspaper, was put on five-day remand on Friday.

TIB boss has mentioned that the act of authorities are unconstitutional and contradictory to Bangladesh’s commitment to free media and safety of journalists as a signatory to the relevant international conventions.

“Those responsible for taking the opportunity of the crisis to suppress media freedom and reporters’ safety are only contributing to furthering public distrust of the regime and the relevant state institutions,” he said.

International platform of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also sought protection life protection of journalist Sayed Khan who put on remand on Friday.

“Bangladesh: journalist Hafiz al-Asad alias Sayeed Khan, correspondent for The Mirror Asia, remanded in custody today on trumped-up ‘terrorism’ charges,” the Paris-based organisation posted on X platform on Friday.

The RSF calls on the authorities to release him immediately and to guarantee the ‘right to information’.