Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international organization dedicated to press freedom, has listed four countries, including Bangladesh, as the most dangerous for journalists in 2024. The announcement was made alongside the release of their annual report detailing the deaths of journalists worldwide while performing their professional duties.
The report, cited by The Economic Times on Thursday, December 12, highlighted the alarming rise in violence against journalists globally. RSF disclosed that 54 journalists were killed in 2024 during their assignments, with Bangladesh recording the deaths of at least five journalists, ranking the country third on the list of the most perilous nations for media professionals.
Bangladesh’s Grim Position in Journalist Safety
Bangladesh’s inclusion in the top four dangerous countries underscores a concerning trend for press freedom in the nation. In recent years, journalists in Bangladesh have faced increasing threats, including targeted killings, harassment, and intimidation. RSF’s findings align with reports from local press advocacy groups, which have raised alarm over the shrinking space for free and independent journalism.
Among the countries listed, Gaza emerged as the most dangerous region for journalists in 2024, followed by Pakistan. Bangladesh shared its rank with Mexico, where five journalists were also killed.
Conflict Zones Amplify Risks
The report details that the war-torn Gaza Strip witnessed the highest number of journalist fatalities, with 18 Palestinian journalists killed during Israeli military operations. Of these, 16 were killed in Gaza, while two lost their lives in Lebanon. The high casualty figures in these areas underscore the heightened risks faced by journalists covering conflicts in volatile regions.
Pakistan ranked second on the list, with seven journalists killed in 2024. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Mexico reported five fatalities each, highlighting the perils faced by journalists even in countries not officially at war.
Broader Context of Threats to Journalists
RSF’s annual report painted a grim picture of the challenges journalists face worldwide. From January to December 2023, 45 journalists were killed, reflecting a rise in violence against media workers. In addition, 55 journalists are currently being held hostage globally, with 25 of them in captivity by the Islamic State (ISIS).
The report also noted that 95 journalists went missing in 2024, signaling a growing trend of forced disappearances targeting media professionals.
Accountability and Justice
RSF has taken a strong stance against the impunity surrounding these crimes. The organization filed four war crime allegations against the Israeli military with the International Criminal Court (ICC). These allegations focus on the deaths of over 145 journalists reportedly killed by Israeli forces since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. Out of these, 35 journalists were killed while actively reporting from the frontlines.
Israel, however, has denied targeting journalists, stating that some journalists may have been inadvertently killed during military operations aimed at strategic objectives.
A Stark Reminder for Global Press Freedom
The RSF report serves as a stark reminder of the growing dangers journalists face in their pursuit of truth. From war zones like Gaza to politically unstable regions like Bangladesh and Mexico, the global press community continues to endure significant risks.
The findings call for urgent action from governments, international organizations, and civil society to safeguard press freedom and ensure accountability for violence against journalists.
