Press Freedom in Bangladesh Under Threat Amid Rising Attacks and Legal Challenges
Dhaka, February 19, 2025: Six months after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s press freedom remains in jeopardy. Journalists continue to face violence, legal harassment, and restrictive policies, despite the interim government’s promises of reform. From physical assaults to controversial cyber laws, the media faces mounting challenges, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to independent journalism.
Restrictive Laws Spark Concerns
In January 2025, the government introduced the Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025 and the Personal Data Protection Ordinance 2025, drawing backlash from press freedom advocates. While authorities claim to have removed contentious provisions like warrantless searches and defamation clauses, critics argue that the laws still allow excessive government control.
The Global Network Initiative and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) criticized the Cyber Protection Ordinance for granting state agencies the power to monitor and censor online content. Meanwhile, the data protection law has raised fears that journalists could be subjected to surveillance and legal action.
“Democracy cannot flourish without robust journalism,” said Beh Lih Yi, Asia Program Coordinator at CPJ. “Bangladesh’s interim government must fulfill its promise to protect journalists and their right to report freely.”
Repeated attempts to seek comments from Nahid Islam, the interim government’s adviser on information and technology, have gone unanswered.
Escalating Violence Against Journalists
Alongside legal threats, journalists are facing increasing physical assaults for their reporting.
- On February 3, journalist Shohag Khan Sujon from Samakal was brutally attacked in Shariatpur district after exposing medical negligence at a local clinic. Armed men restrained and stabbed him, while three other journalists, including those from Bangla TV and News 24, were injured while trying to help.
- The same day, four newspaper reporters were ambushed by masked attackers in Laxmipur district while covering a land dispute. Journalist Md Foysal Mahmud (Daily Alokito Sakal) sustained shrapnel injuries after attackers opened fire.
- On February 5, BNP supporters assaulted journalists outside the Supreme Court in Dhaka while covering a high-profile verdict. The next day, television reporters were attacked by protesters covering the vandalism of a museum linked to Sheikh Hasina’s family.
- On February 9, six journalists covering a student protest were beaten by riot police, despite displaying valid press credentials. No officers have been held accountable so far.
Legal Intimidation and Censorship
The use of legal cases to silence journalists has also intensified.
- Four reporters currently face criminal defamation charges over investigations into labor violations and illicit business practices. If convicted, they could face up to two years in prison.
- Between October 29 and November 7, 2024, the Press Information Department revoked the accreditation of 167 journalists without explanation, sparking criticism from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Editors’ Council.
Uncertain Future for Press Freedom
Despite the hope for reform, Bangladesh’s press freedom remains fragile. Journalists continue to risk their safety to report the truth, but violence, intimidation, and restrictive laws threaten the independence of the media.
With international pressure mounting, all eyes are on the interim government to see whether it will protect press freedom or allow repression to continue.
Inputs from agencies.
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