In 2025, Atheist Alliance International (AAI) supported a landmark human rights victory in Bangladesh with the full acquittal of Jibon Wahid, an atheist activist and university student who had faced multiple blasphemy prosecutions, violent attacks, and prolonged imprisonment.
Jibon Wahed was targeted because of his social media writings on social justice, religious extremism, and communalism. As a result of his views, he received repeated death threats and was subjected to mob violence.
On 14 November 2020, Jibon was brutally attacked by an extremist mob and seriously injured. On the same day, he was arrested and charged under Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act 2018 (sections 28, 29, and 31) for alleged blasphemy. While in police custody and later in prison, he was subjected to torture and ill-treatment. He was held for 163 days without trial before being granted bail in April 2021, facing the risk of several years’ imprisonment.
Due to ongoing threats, Jibon was forced into internal displacement. In June 2022, after briefly returning to his home district for urgent reasons, he was attacked again and arrested. A second blasphemy case was filed against him under sections 295 and 298 of the Bangladesh Penal Code. He spent a further 21 days in detention before securing bail.
At this stage, Jibon faced two simultaneous blasphemy trials, was unable to attend university, and was forced to live away from his home to protect his life. He was a final-year BSc Chemistry student, aged 25, with no criminal history.
AAI provided sustained support throughout Jibon’s legal ordeal, helping ensure international attention, advocacy, and practical assistance. Recognizing the long-term impact of persecution, AAI also supported Jibon in continuing his education alongside the legal defense.
After a prolonged legal process, all charges against Jibon Wahed were dismissed, and he has now been fully acquitted. His case represents a rare and important success against the misuse of blasphemy and digital security laws in Bangladesh and demonstrates the tangible impact of AAI’s advocacy and solidarity with persecuted non-religious individuals.
This outcome underscores AAI’s continued commitment to defending freedom of thought, expression, and belief in high-risk environments worldwide.
