Bangladesh’s Press Freedom in Peril as Journalists Turn to Self-Censorship

The state of press freedom in Bangladesh is deteriorating, with journalists increasingly practicing self-censorship due to fears of government retribution. This trend has been starkly highlighted by recent reports and firsthand accounts from media professionals in the country.
In an environment where critical journalism is met with hostility, many journalists in Dhaka and beyond are choosing to silence their own voices. “The risk of losing your job or worse, facing legal action, is too high when you report something that might not align with the government’s narrative,” shared one journalist, speaking under condition of anonymity. This sentiment is widespread, with media outlets pulling back from investigative pieces that touch on sensitive political or social issues.
The Digital Security Act plays a significant role in this crisis, often cited as a tool used to suppress free speech. It imposes stringent penalties for content deemed harmful or defamatory to the state, leading to a chilling effect on media freedom. According to a survey by BenarNews, around 70% of journalists in Bangladesh have engaged in self-censorship in the last year, a clear indication of how pervasive this issue has become.
This self-censorship isn’t just impacting individual journalists but is altering the very fabric of journalism in Bangladesh. Newsrooms are now cautious, with editors and reporters alike opting for less controversial stories, thereby skewing public information and discourse. The absence of critical voices means that issues like corruption, human rights abuses, and governance are either underreported or presented in a sanitized manner that does not provoke the authorities.
The government defends the Digital Security Act as necessary for national security and to combat misinformation. However, critics argue that the law is being misused to control the narrative and silence dissent. Despite these claims, the atmosphere among journalists remains one of caution, with many choosing to steer clear of topics that could invite trouble.
This crisis in press freedom has drawn attention from international bodies and local civil society, who advocate for the reform of laws like the Digital Security Act to protect journalists’ rights while still addressing legitimate security concerns. The hope is to foster an environment where journalists can report freely, ensuring that the public has access to unbiased information essential for a functioning democracy.