On Thursday, September 4, 2025, during a bail hearing at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka, Somoy TV reporter Asif Hossain was physically assaulted by a group of lawyers.
The hearing pertained to a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act against journalist Monjurul Alam (Panna). While expelled Awami League leader Abdul Latif Siddique was not produced before the court, Monjurul Alam was brought in from prison.
Eyewitness Muktadir Rashid Romeo, executive editor of Bangla Outlook, described the scene: “Police produced journalist Monjurul Alam Panna in the courtroom wearing a helmet, handcuffs, and a bulletproof vest, while a police officer was blowing a whistle. He looked devastated. At that time, Panna asked the police, ‘Why are you treating me like this? I am not your enemy.’”
During the proceedings, lawyer Mohiuddin Mahi scolded Muktadir and instructed him to leave the courtroom. Muktadir responded that only the judge had the authority to order him out. Subsequently, lawyer Mohiuddin became aggressive and attempted to assault Muktadir.
At that moment, Somoy TV journalist Asif Hossain intervened, identifying Muktadir as a journalist. In response, lawyer Mohiuddin punched Asif. Asif raised his microphone toward the judge, declaring, “I am being assaulted.”
Immediately, several lawyers began punching and kicking him indiscriminately. Fellow journalists, Assistant Public Prosecutor Kaiyum Hossain, and defense lawyer Farzana Yasmin intervened to rescue Asif.
Journalist Persecution Under the Yunus Regime
The assault on Asif Hossain is part of a broader pattern of repression against journalists under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Since the regime’s establishment in August 2024, numerous journalists have faced arrests, harassment, and legal actions.
Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed: On August 21, 2024, journalist couple Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed were detained at Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport in connection with a murder case filed at Uttara East Police Station. They remain in custody, and their arrest has drawn international concern from organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) .
Arif Hasan: Journalist Arif Hasan was detained by Airport Police while reportedly attempting to leave the country. He was later handed over to the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
The case was filed by the father of a protester who was injured during an attack on a student procession in July 2024. Hasan’s defense claims that he was not present at the scene and that the case is an attempt to harass him .
Nasima Khan Monty: Editor of the national Daily Amader Arthaniti, Nasima Khan Monty, faced a travel ban imposed by the Anti-Corruption Commission following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit investigated her bank accounts .
Julfikar Ali Manik: A journalist known for his reporting on Islamic extremism, Julfikar Ali Manik has been targeted by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, which sought information on his bank accounts along with 26 other journalists and media professionals .
Sumi Khan: Investigative journalist Sumi Khan was forced into exile in February 2025 due to increasing threats from radical Islamist groups. Previously, she had also faced intimidation from the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, which she alleges has significant influence over the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government and media in Bangladesh .
Molla Jalal: Former president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Molla Jalal, was arrested in November 2024 .
Press Accreditation Revocations: Between October 29 and November 7, 2024, the Press Information Department revoked the accreditations of 167 journalists in three phases. Rights groups condemned this decision, viewing it as a threat to press freedom in the country .
Acts of Violence: In the first eight months of the Yunus-led interim government, at least 206 journalists faced acts of violence, including physical assaults and threats .
International Response
Human rights organizations and press freedom advocates have expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating situation for journalists in Bangladesh under the Yunus regime.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ): CPJ has urged the interim government to protect press freedom and has highlighted the ongoing threats faced by journalists in the country .
Reporters Without Borders (RSF): RSF welcomed a statement by Muhammad Yunus acknowledging false accusations against journalists but called for urgent action to ensure press freedom .
Human Rights Watch (HRW): HRW has condemned the arrest of journalists and expressed concerns that the justice system is replicating abusive and partisan behavior without following due process .
The assault on Asif Hossain inside the courtroom underscores the escalating risks faced by journalists in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
The pattern of arrests, harassment, and legal actions against journalists indicates a systemic effort to suppress press freedom and dissent.
International pressure and domestic advocacy are crucial to safeguard the rights of journalists and uphold the principles of free expression in Bangladesh.
