Free Media and freedom of speech strengthen democracy and therefore, free media is essential for a democratic society as well to uphold human rights and human dignity. When Dr. Muhammad Yunus usurped powers illegally through a “meticulous design”, people accepted him as he is a Nobel Laureate, an international celebrity and as he promised freedom of media. He stated, ‘Bangladesh is free now and anyone can express their views without fear or intimidation’—- everyone was thrilled and welcomed him with high hopes and confidence. They were hoping that the government would not be hostile to media.
Sadly their hopes and expectations died out soon as his administration have turned Bangladesh into a nightmare especially for journalists and media outlets. Currently, freedom of media and free expression is worst in Bangladesh, worse to that of Afghanistan. No one is allowed either to criticize the government or expose the evils of society or abuse of the system. No wonder, corruption, extortion, chadsbajee, looting, vandalism, abuse of judiciary, money laundering, illegal grabbing of landed properties especially of minority communities, abuse of power and public harassment have become a norm rather than an exception in Bangladesh now.
This week a staff reporter of the daily “Dainik Protidin”, Asaduzzaman Tuhin (38) while reporting live showing how 5/6 extortionists were collecting money from small business owners of Gazipur, an industrial town, he was attacked. In order to escape, he took shelter inside a tea stall but three extortionists followed him and murdered him in front of the store owners plus dozens of onlookers. None could dare to stop them.
Store owner Khairul Islam testified that 3 people repeatedly attacked him with sharp machetes while 2 others were standing outside the store so that no one can come to rescue him. Deputy Police Commissioner Rabiul Hasan and OC, Shahin Khan of Gazipur confirmed the death of Tuhin but couldn’t identify the murderers. No one is arrested yet. However, as the current practice in Bangladesh, the police say they will soon file cases against 25/40 ‘unknown suspects’ presumably to extort money. The extortionists also threatened the witnesses and the crowd not to open mouth. In the meantime, Sarjis Alam, a leader of Yunus’s king’s party, NCP, promptly claimed that BNP activists, a political rival party have done it.
In the same area, another journalist was attacked in front of police and was wounded a day earlier when he was talking to victims of extortionists. Since Yunus government doesn’t take actions, there is sharp increase of violence all across the country.
For example, on that day alone, 4 other people were killed by jihadi extortionists, one Mr. Dalim Ahmed in Sylhet, one Mr. Saidur Rahman in Natore, one Mr. Shah Rubel in Maulvibazar. Police assure that they are investigating the killings but none arrested. Most shocking is most of these people were killed in prehistoric way — their face, body and organs were beaten with big big rocks and stones in such a way that no one cannot recognize them. This is simply horrifying. Yesterday, the body of a dead person was found on the sidewalk of a Main Street in Gazipur in 3 garbage bags cut into 8 pieces and the head is missing.
Since Yunus took over, the atrocities and savagery on Awami League Party (AL) supporters and journalists plus media increased manifold.
For example, as per RRAG, Rights and Risks Analysis group of USA. an independent human rights group stated that “while during Sheikh Hasina’s period from July 2023-July 2024, a total of 383 journalists were intimidated and cases were filed against 35 media members, but none was terminated. In contrast, during last one year under Yunus government from August 2024 to July 2025, these numbers increased manifold —- up by 230% and 558% respectively. A total of 878 journalists were intimidated and 195 cases were filed against journalists. In addition, false cases of corruption filed against 496 journalists and false murder cases were filed against 265 journalists of which 25 were accused of mass murder or genocide”. Bank accounts of hundreds of journalists have been freeze by government . Not only that, the government also cancelled press accreditation cards of hundreds of journalists. Many media houses have been shut down or taken over. Thousands of journalists have been sacked. Forget about criticizing the government, even if any journalist or reporter expose corruption, extortion, abuse of power or other crimes, he or she faces threat, arrest and intimidation. Notably 3 reporters lost their jobs as they asked a question to an Advisor that he did not like. Cases of death and torture of journalists are common in Bangladesh now.
During Sheikh Hasina’s regime military intelligence DGFI personnel were accused of intimidation but no journalist was ever terminated or tortured for his/her reporting. No accreditation cards were cancelled.
Here’s your text with only three strategically placed subheadings to break it up while keeping the flow consistent:
Persistent Lawlessness and Political Persecution
In fact, since Professor Yunus assumed powers, and although he completed one year of his rule, anarchy and lawlessness is still all pervasive. Another feature is, his administration often present lies, denies facts and at times, doctor narratives unlike past governments. For example, Dr. Yunus while visiting London did not get an appointment with the British Prime Minister, his Press Secretary quickly claimed that the British PM was out of the country although he was right in London conducting official meetings. Therefore, people lost faith in his narratives. No wonder rumors and social media became more attractive with its wild narratives.
Moreover, interestingly his administration is reluctant to prosecute the killers if they kill Awami League (AL) supporters or sympathizers, the party that ruled for last 16 years before his takeover. In fact, his government have been encouraging the radical jihadis or extortionists to take revenge against Awami League supporters. Anyone who opposes his policies or actions, be it disgruntled students due to mishandling of Milestones school aircraft accident or teachers who have not been paid of their arrears for months, or government employees deprived of their dues, his goons term them as AL supporters or sympathizers and go after them mercilessly violating human rights, normal rules and freedoms. Bangladesh has turned into a “land of radical mob jihadis and lawlessness“.
‘Operation Devil Hunt’ and the Gopalgonj Crackdown
Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel who is determined to wipeout Hamas in Gaza, Dr. Yunus and his government is committed to wipeout AL at any cost. His campaign to eliminate AL supporters and sympathizers tantamount to genocide, a calculated and systematic killings and elimination of anyone belonging to AL party or faith plus who believe in the AL contribution in the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. Bangladesh achieved its independence in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, then President of AL party and its meteoric economic growth and success was achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the current president of the AL party. No one can deny these facts yet Dr. Yunus and his gang are trying erase their contributions and memories.
Recently, in order to wipeout AL supporters and sympathizers, Yunus launched a “genocide campaign” in Gopalgonj district, a stronghold of AL party where AL candidates always get elected.
Reportedly the Chief Election Commissioner of current administration, Mr. Nasiruddin, a confidante of Dr. Yunus met him and informed him that unless AL are wipeout, he cannot organize an election. Therefore, Nasiruddin’s son, a Major General was entrusted to wipeout AL supporters/ sympathizers in Gopalgonj district so that spirit of AL is killed forever, they can never come out. Till now, Gopalgonj is a ghost city as “Operation Devil Hunt” is ongoing amidst of total media blackout. We don’t know how many were killed and how many were detained and tortured.
Economic Decline and Social Regression
Bangladesh, a rising economy and a model of economic development that achieved 6.6% average GDP growth rate for two decades is now facing economic bankruptcy and closing down of factories resulting in sharp increases in layoffs and incidence of poverty. Bangladesh was a rising democracy and a land that was promoting women empowerment and raised women workforce participation from 6% in 2006 to 43% in 2023, achieved 99% school enrollment from 65% and per capita income increased 5.5 fold is now facing economic collapse. Women are being discriminated and those who lost their jobs last year, 85% are women. Young girls are being harassed if they don’t wear hijab. Recently the Bangladesh Bank, the Federal Bank of Bangladesh issued notification on dress codes for women employees. Anyone violating this dress code will be punished, even may lose their jobs. Mulla Yunus is turning Bangladesh into a Islami caliphate, a land of jihadi mobs and radical terrorists. In the process, besides AL party and its supporters, the next worst victims are freedom of press and conscious journalists and reporters. Unless global leadership rise to the occasion, Yunus government will continue its subjugation and censorship of media.
Dr. A K Abdul Momen
Former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh
