National Chhatra Shakti organized a human chain and protest at Dhaka University’s Raju Sculpture on Tuesday, April 21, demanding the unconditional release of content creator Hasan Nasim, who was arrested for sharing a cartoon. Leaders and activists of the organization participated, carrying placards with slogans defending freedom of expression.

Speakers at the event alleged that laws are still being used to suppress free speech and described Nasim’s arrest as a violation of fundamental rights. National Chhatra Shakti president Zahid Ahsan compared the incident to previous cases involving writer Mushtaq and cartoonist Ahmed Kishore, criticizing the manner of Nasim’s detention and the lack of information provided to his family. He urged the government to ensure that writers, artists, and cartoonists can work freely.

Senior joint general secretary Khan Talat Rafi said the Digital Security Act of 2018 continues to be misused to curb expression, calling it alarming. The speakers demanded Nasim’s immediate release and protection of citizens’ constitutional right to free expression.