Bangladesh
Violent Attacks and Cases Against Journalists are on the Rise
Bangladesh’s vibrant media landscape is facing an increasingly alarming threat, with a worrying rise in violent attacks and legal cases targeting journalists. This escalating suppression risks silencing critical voices and undermining the crucial role the press plays in holding power accountable. The number of serious attacks on journalists has increased since the beginning of February 2025. In addition to attacks on newspaper offices, police and political activists have also beaten journalists with sticks and hammers during this period. Bangladesh has been named in the list of dangerous countries for journalists in South Asia, according to a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international organization that works for the rights of journalists around the world. In a statement, the head of RSF’s South Asia desk said,
“After the interim government took power in August 2024, it was hoped that the situation would improve. But in reality, journalists are still unsafe. They are being attacked while reporting, facing physical retaliation for their reporting, and protesters are attacking their offices.”
Just in the last few months, 266 journalists in Bangladesh are facing charges of murder or violence. Of these, 13 have been arrested and are in jail.
In recent years, there has been a troubling trend of increasing violent attacks and cases against journalists in Bangladesh. This rise in violence and legal action against members of the press is a cause for concern for those who value freedom of the press and the role that a free and independent media plays in a democratic society. According to a research report by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS), at least 451 journalists have been prosecuted under the Digital Security Act in the last 5 years. Of these, 255 journalists have been charged with crimes related to their reporting. At least 97 journalists have been arrested. According to CGS data, from October 2018 to September 2023, 1,436 cases were filed under the Digital Security Act and at least 4,520 people were charged. In the first week of May 2025, 9 sections of the previous Digital Security Act were repealed. These 9 sections were considered notorious sections. 95 percent of the cases filed during the previous government were under these sections.
The rise in violence and legal action against journalists in Bangladesh is not only a threat to the individual journalists who are targeted, but also to the broader society. A free and independent media is essential for holding those in power accountable, and for providing citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions. Without a free press, it is difficult for a society to truly be democratic. The international community, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, should continue to speak out against violence and legal action against journalists in Bangladesh. In addition, the Bangladesh government should take concrete steps to address the issue of violence and legal action against journalists. This includes bringing those responsible for attacks on journalists to justice. The government should also ensure the safety and security of journalists, and create an environment in which they can carry out their work without fear of violence or reprisal.
A lack of thorough investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for attacks on journalists emboldens perpetrators. The political polarization of media outlets further exacerbates the situation, making journalists vulnerable to partisan attacks. And the absence of robust legal protections for journalists makes them susceptible to arbitrary arrests and frivolous lawsuits. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. The Bangladeshi government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting journalists and upholding press freedom. This includes:
- Ensuring thorough and impartial investigations into all attacks on journalists, bringing the perpetrators to justice.
- Bringing existing laws into line with international human rights standards.
- Strengthening legal protections for journalists, safeguarding them from frivolous lawsuits and arbitrary arrests.
- Promoting media literacy and fostering a culture of respect for independent journalism.
The future of democracy in Bangladesh hinges on the ability of journalists to report freely and without fear. Failing to protect the watchdogs will ultimately erode the foundations of a just and equitable society. It is essential that the international community, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, continue to speak out against violence and legal action against journalists in Bangladesh.
Hasan Hamid
ISHR National Associate & Country Representative in Bangladesh
