Despite the interim government’s pledges to support press freedom, journalists in Bangladesh are increasingly under attack, facing physical violence, harassment, and legal persecution. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has raised serious concerns about the rising tide of violence against the media, particularly pointing to the involvement of both police forces and political activists opposed to the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The political turmoil in Bangladesh reached a critical point last year when Sheikh Hasina was exiled after a major popular uprising. The protests began in response to a contentious job quota program intended for war veterans, but the unrest soon escalated into a broader political crisis. In the wake of Hasina’s ousting, journalists who sought to report on the aftermath, including the demolition of a museum linked to Hasina’s family, faced violent attacks from an angry mob. Disturbingly, police failed to intervene to protect the journalists.
Other incidents have highlighted the growing risks faced by reporters in the country. In one case, journalists covering a peaceful protest in the capital, Dhaka, were beaten and assaulted by police officers. The lack of accountability for these actions has led to widespread concern over the safety of journalists and the ability of the media to operate freely.
One of the most alarming developments has been the revocation of accreditation for over 150 journalists by the interim government. These journalists were accused of being sympathetic to the previous regime, and their accreditations were stripped as part of a broader campaign of intimidation. RSF condemned this move, describing it as a punitive action designed to stifle media freedom and foster an environment of censorship.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many journalists are now facing criminal charges. Among them is Farzana Rupa, a journalist arrested after Sheikh Hasina’s exile. Rupa has been subjected to legal harassment, including baseless charges of murder, which she has vehemently denied. Her case has become a symbol of the larger crackdown on press freedom in Bangladesh.
Rupa’s supporters, including her husband Shakil Ahmed, who also worked for a private channel aligned with Hasina’s party, have pointed to the government’s vindictive actions. Despite efforts by human rights groups to secure her release, Rupa remains imprisoned in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Her family members, fearing for their safety, have also faced retaliation, with her sister losing her job due to political pressure.
The case of Farzana Rupa highlights a troubling trend in Bangladesh: journalists are often targeted as scapegoats during regime changes. This trend has drawn international attention, with organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calling on the government to live up to its commitments to protect the media. However, the ongoing attacks on journalists and the climate of fear make it clear that the interim government has failed to uphold these promises.
While former Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government, has made public statements supporting media freedom, these assurances have failed to translate into meaningful protection for journalists. The increasing charges against journalists, including accusations of complicity in the deaths of nearly 600 people during last summer’s protests, only deepen concerns about the government’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Bangladesh’s media landscape remains under siege. Journalists who report critically on the government face violent retribution, while those who remain silent are complicit in the ongoing suppression of free speech. Press freedom advocates are calling for an immediate end to the persecution of journalists and a return to a climate where media can operate without fear of violence or retaliation. Without significant reforms, Bangladesh risks further isolating itself from global efforts to protect and promote press freedom.