Bangladesh – The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has strongly condemned a Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal order to continue the pre-trial detention of three senior journalists in connection with a “crimes against humanity” case linked to the July 2024 uprising.
The order, issued on Monday, August 24, concerns Shyamal Dutta, former editor of Bhorer Kagoj and Vice President of the CJA; Mozammel Haq Babu, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Ekattor TV; and Farzana Rupa, Chief Correspondent of Ekattor TV.
The CJA said it was particularly concerned about the basis of the allegations. According to the prosecution, the case includes allegations related to a press conference held by then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban on July 14, 2024, during which the journalists allegedly made “provocative remarks” while asking questions.
The journalists’ association argued that questioning political leaders at press conferences, regardless of how contentious the questions may be, is a fundamental part of professional journalism and cannot by itself constitute a crime against humanity.
The CJA warned that using an International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute journalists for their professional conduct could establish a “deeply disturbing precedent” for press freedom in Bangladesh. It stressed that journalists should be held accountable for genuine criminal acts where credible evidence exists, but should not be criminalised merely for asking questions, reporting events or being perceived as politically sympathetic.
The organisation also raised concerns over the journalists’ prolonged detention and questions surrounding the evidence against them, including reports that charge sheets substantiating the original allegations were not filed within the prescribed legal framework.
The CJA further expressed concern about the health of the detained journalists. It said Dutta has documented cardiac and severe sleep apnoea conditions requiring medical assessment and treatment, while Babu, who underwent major prostate cancer surgery in late 2023, reportedly requires continuing medical care.
Calling for urgent action, the CJA urged Bangladesh’s government and judicial authorities to review the proceedings, ensure due process and credible evidentiary standards, and release the three journalists unless there is clear and demonstrable evidence of an independently established criminal offence.
“The independence of the media is not a privilege granted by governments. It is an essential condition of a democratic society,” the CJA said, reaffirming its solidarity with Dutta, Babu, Rupa and journalists in Bangladesh.
Time, Date & Place: Monday, August 24, 2026 — International Crimes Tribunal, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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