At the start of the New Year, as many celebrated with hope, Bangladesh witnessed yet another blow to its media sector. Two Hindu journalists, Nirpon Roy and Saikat Bhowmik, senior reporters at the news portal Sarabangla.net, were dismissed without explanation or prior notice. This incident highlights the worsening state of press freedom in the country.
Growing Threats to Media Freedom
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, press freedom in Bangladesh has been under severe attack. The administration led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been accused of stifling dissent, with media outlets facing intimidation, harassment, and legal actions for publishing narratives that differ from government viewpoints.
Many senior and respected journalists have been sidelined, with some branded as loyalists of the former Awami League government. The recent dismissals of several journalists from prominent media outlets like Somoy TV sparked global condemnation, but no significant measures have been taken by the government to address the situation.
Silent Dismissals
The termination of Nirpon Roy and Saikat Bhowmik was reportedly executed under instructions from higher authorities. Both journalists, fearing potential retaliation, have refrained from speaking publicly about their dismissal.
Nirpon Roy, a senior reporter covering Awami League affairs, and Saikat Bhowmik, who reported on health issues, were abruptly handed termination letters on December 31. Sources confirm that no specific allegations were made against them.
This incident follows a series of dismissals at Sarabangla. In recent months, other journalists, including a Hindu reporter, were also removed without notice. Former Chief News Editor Rahman Mostafiz and Deputy Editor Sandeepan Basu were similarly forced out of their roles.
Political Interference in Media
The shift in ownership of Sarabangla, following the arrest of former Awami League minister Golam Dastagir Gazi on August 25, has further destabilized the media outlet. Now controlled by BNP-Jamaat-backed individuals, the portal has seen a wave of journalist replacements, aligning its workforce with the political leanings of its new management.
Journalism in Peril
Since August, nearly 90% of Bangladesh’s media landscape has been gripped by fear and instability. Journalists face dismissal without cause, with no opportunity to defend themselves. Those still employed live under the constant threat of job loss.
This alarming trend represents a grave danger to independent and safe journalism in Bangladesh, raising concerns about the future of press freedom in the country.