Journalists, human rights defenders, legal experts, and diaspora representatives at a major dialogue in London have called for the immediate release of detained Bangladeshi journalists, warning that continued repression of the media threatens democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.
The event, titled “Media Freedom for Human Rights and Democracy,” was held on May 21 in London and organised by the UK-based advocacy platform Protect Bangladesh in association with London-based television channels EyeMedia and Bridge Bangla.
Speakers strongly criticised the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of suppressing media freedom, intimidating journalists, and failing to uphold democratic promises made ahead of the February 2025 elections.
Veteran British journalist William Horsley, the keynote speaker at the event, said the continued detention of Bangladeshi journalists on what he described as “spurious and groundless charges” was unacceptable in a democratic society.
He specifically mentioned detained journalists including Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Haque Babu, Farzana Rupa, and Shakil Ahmed, stating that keeping them imprisoned undermines Bangladesh’s commitments to democracy and press freedom.
Senior British journalist Rita Payne also expressed concern over the continued persecution of journalists in Bangladesh, criticising the interim administration for failing to protect press freedom despite Yunus being a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Barrister Tania Ameer delivered a detailed analysis of Bangladesh’s media laws, institutional structures, and political environment, arguing that the detention of journalists reflects a broader effort to silence dissent and independent journalism. She warned that repression would continue without judicial independence and the rule of law.
Prominent journalist and Commonwealth Journalists Association member Syed Badrul Ahsan described the post-2024 political situation in Bangladesh as deeply damaging to democratic institutions and criticised local journalist organisations for remaining silent over the detention of their colleagues.
Nahas Pasha, Vice President of the Commonwealth Journalists Association and editor of the UK’s oldest Bengali newspaper Janomot, called for the unconditional release of all detained journalists facing fabricated allegations.
Joining virtually from New York, former National Press Club president Farida Yasmin alleged that journalists in Bangladesh have faced professional blacklisting, frozen bank accounts, and physical and psychological harassment under the interim administration.
An emotional virtual address was delivered by Shushma Shashi Dutta from Australia, who spoke about the personal suffering caused by her father’s prolonged detention. She said he has remained imprisoned without trial for more than 600 days while suffering from serious health conditions and being denied necessary medication.
London-Bangla Press Club General Secretary Md Akramul Hossain said the situation facing journalists in Bangladesh has become increasingly dangerous, with frequent reports of reporters being assaulted while carrying out their duties.
The event concluded with remarks from Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury, who urged international journalists and rights groups to continue raising concerns about press freedom and democratic backsliding in Bangladesh on global platforms.
The discussion was moderated by senior journalist Ashequn Nabi Chowdhury and attended by journalists, academics, business leaders, human rights advocates, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora from across the United Kingdom.
