DHAKA, May 3, 2026 (Reuters-style) — Journalists covering Bangladeshi Supreme Court staged a silent protest on Sunday, demanding the restoration of access to courtrooms after months of restrictions they say undermine press freedom and transparency.
Dozens of reporters formed a human chain outside the Supreme Court’s main gate, marking World Press Freedom Day by tying black cloths over their mouths in a symbolic gesture against what they described as enforced silence.
The protest was organized by the Supreme Court Reporters Forum (SRF), whose members said journalists have been barred for nearly four months from entering the Appellate Division and several High Court benches.
“Courtrooms are public spaces, and judicial proceedings should remain open to scrutiny,” SRF leaders said during the demonstration. “Preventing journalists from observing hearings not only obstructs our professional duties but also violates constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and the press.”
Article 39 of Bangladesh’s Constitution enshrines freedom of expression and media, a provision the protesters say is being compromised by the restrictions.
Journalists said they had historically enjoyed access to courtrooms to report on proceedings. However, they alleged that an informal ban was introduced after Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury assumed office, limiting entry for members of the media.
They called on authorities to immediately lift the restrictions, arguing that transparency in the judiciary and the free flow of information are essential components of democratic governance.
SRF President Masudur Rahman Rana, General Secretary Mehedi Hasan Dalim, and senior journalist Mazharul Haque Manna were among those who addressed the gathering. More than 100 reporters assigned to the Supreme Court beat took part in the protest.
The demonstration highlights broader concerns among media professionals over press freedom and access to public institutions in Bangladesh.
