May 3, 2025 9:14 pm
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Criminal Cases Against 266 Journalists Spark Concerns Over Press Freedom in Bangladesh

The long-standing trend of harassing journalists through attacks and lawsuits in Bangladesh shows little sign of change. In fact, following the political upheaval on August 5, this suppression has taken a new shape, with only the identities of the perpetrators changing.

Under the previous Awami League government, the Digital Security Act (DSA) was the primary tool used to target journalists. However, in recent months, journalists have increasingly been implicated in criminal cases, particularly murder and assault allegations stemming from incidents during the uprising.

The inclusion of journalists in these cases has prompted media experts to ask: Can journalism truly incite murder?

Kamal Ahmed, head of the Media Reform Commission, told The Daily Star, “During Sheikh Hasina’s press conference on July 26, several senior journalists encouraged harsher crackdowns on the student movement. It was evident they were acting more like political operatives than journalists.”

The situation becomes even more complex for district and upazila-level journalists, who often work under immense pressure. According to a list compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and additional data from The Daily Star, at least 266 journalists have been implicated in cases related to the July–August unrest. Dhaka saw the highest number of cases—88—followed by Sylhet and Chattogram with 39 and 36 journalists accused, respectively. In Savar, Narayanganj, Kushtia, Brahmanbaria, and Bogura, 10 to 20 journalists have been charged. Journalists in other districts such as Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Lakshmipur, Barguna, Narail, Patuakhali, Thakurgaon, Barishal, Munshiganj, Bagerhat, Jashore, Pirojpur, and Netrokona also face cases related to the violence.

The Daily Star investigated whether these journalists were targeted due to political affiliations. Findings revealed that only 18% (around 50 journalists) had clear ties to political parties or had benefitted during the Awami League era. Most others appear to have been implicated for retaliatory reasons.

In one notable case, two district correspondents were seen marching in a rally with followers of former MP Shamim Osman, who reportedly fired on student protesters in Narayanganj. One journalist was even seen carrying two firearms in a video clip.

UK-based journalist Monowar Jahan Chowdhury, a UK correspondent for Dainik Samayer Alo, was named in a Sylhet case despite living in the UK for years. The case was filed on August 27 by Khalilur Rahman, a former secretary-general of the Islamist group Khelafat Majlish. It names nine journalists and is currently being investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).

In Brahmanbaria, journalists were sued not only for the 2024 uprising but also for earlier incidents, including the March 2021 protests during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh. Sixteen journalists in the district are facing charges, and at least two lost their jobs at national newspapers due to their legal entanglements.

On November 24, 2024, 14 journalists—including Khulna correspondent Md. Hedayet Hossain from the Dhaka Tribune—were charged with the electrocution murder of a youth. The complaint alleged that protester Rakibul Hasan was electrocuted after being tied to a bamboo pole, and the accused had deliberately connected live wires.

Hedayet, who was previously arrested in 2018 under the DSA for election coverage, claims he’s once again a victim of political vendetta. He said his name was included because he is a member of the Federal Union of Journalists. Rakibul’s father stated he had no knowledge of the case and was tricked into signing a blank document under the pretext of receiving government aid.

Alarmingly, Hedayet’s name also appears in a separate murder case filed in Ashulia, even though he resides in Khulna. “How can a single eyewitness be present in both Ashulia and Paikgacha at the same time?” he asked.

At least 14 journalists have been arrested in connection to various cases; 13 remain behind bars.

Monirul Islam, a correspondent for GTV in Kuakata, spent 16 days in jail under the Explosives Act. He said he was implicated in a case from August 4, even though he was in Dhaka at the time and had proof. Despite surrendering in court, his evidence was ignored, and he was sent to jail. He now fears further harassment and is hesitant to speak publicly, worried about losing his job or being forced to leave the district.

Kamal Ahmed believes one reason local journalists are targeted is due to their business or personal rivalries. He argues that many murder cases are fabricated, driven by old enmities or political scores, and calls for independent investigations—not by the police.

When asked why journalists were being charged with murder, Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki told The Daily Star, “They may not have been directly involved, but their statements helped incite the violence.” However, this raises the question—how much influence do these journalists, particularly those outside Dhaka, actually have to incite ruling party operatives or law enforcement?

Ahmed firmly contends the cases are fabricated, stating that no existing law in Bangladesh allows prosecution of journalists for inciting murder through journalism.

The international human rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed concern, stating in a January report that these cases represent a continuation of “Hasina-era repression.” While ensuring accountability for those who incited violence during the uprising is important, mass lawsuits against journalists for not opposing the protesters send a dangerous message about free speech during the interim government.

Beyond legal harassment, journalists have also faced physical attacks. Several reporters told The Daily Star they fear mob violence, which rarely faces legal consequences.

In at least seven incidents across Natore, Barisal, Patuakhali, Shariatpur, and Dhaka, 28 journalists were attacked.

Omar Faruk, a former reporter for Independent Television, was assaulted while covering the demolition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house at Dhanmondi 32. “I was live on air, reporting on public outrage against Hasina’s authoritarian rule. I used the term ‘Bangabandhu’ to describe Mujibur Rahman, as that’s what the museum is officially called,” he said. “That one word triggered a mob to beat me.”

Faruk filed a general diary (GD) with the police but received no updates on the investigation. “I don’t expect justice,” he said. “The attackers know they won’t face any consequences.”

In a February 14 report, RSF South Asia head Célia Mercier noted an alarming rise in media violence. “There was hope things would improve under the interim government,” she said, “but journalists now face greater insecurity. They’re attacked while reporting, targeted for their writings, and even media offices are being assaulted.”

RSF has urged the interim government to bring the attackers to justice, end this cycle of violence, and ensure the safety of journalists across the country.

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