Persecution of Journalists under Bangladesh's Interim Government (2024–25)

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Persecution of Journalists in Bangladesh under the Interim government refers to various official and unofficial persecution of journalists during the rule of the Interim government of Muhammad Yunus. [1] [2] [3] [4] Muhammad Yunus took power in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government in the face of mass protests. [5] During the same time, attacks took place on religious minorities and custodial deaths of leaders of the Awami League. [6] The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit started targeting bank accounts of journalists following a request from the Ministry of Information. [7] [8]

Contents

"There have been more than 354 journalists harassed, 74 cases of violence reported, 113 criminal charges filed, and press credentials revoked for 167 journalists, according to the RRAG report". [6] 294 attacks and harassment took place against journalists after Muhammad Yunus took power. [3] According to Ain o Salish Kendra 62 such incidents took place after 2025. [3] The leadership in 29 newspapers and television channels was changed and replaced by journalists loyal to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. [3] Rights and Risks Analysis Group reported 640 journalists were targeted by the interim government. [9]

Asia program coordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists Beh Lih Yi, said, "We are disturbed by the apparently baseless detentions and criminal cases against journalists, and incidents of media groups' offices being targeted and vandalized. These assaults on press freedom must end. They create a chilling effect on the media,". [3] According to Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, Bangladesh "must be the country with the highest number of murder suspects masquerading as journalists in the whole world". [10] He further stated that between August 6 and September 25, a total of 1,474 cases were registered, implicating approximately 92,486 individuals. [10] [11] The majority of the accused faced murder charges, along with various other alleged offenses. [10] MH Gazi Tamim filed a genocide case against International Crimes Tribunal against 26 senior journalists. [12] He was then appointed a persecutor of the tribunal. [13]

The Interim government had promised to support freedom of the press. [14] It has also criticised the media for its role during the July-August movement against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. [15] Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary of the Interim government, has said the media enjoys full freedom in Bangladesh under the interim government. [16] The government established a Media Reform Commission. [17] Many of the targeted journalists are viewed as supports of the Awami League. [18]

Chief Adviser of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus. Chief Adviser of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Muhammad Yunus at Bangkok, in Thailand on April 04, 2025 (2) (cropped).jpg
Chief Adviser of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus.

Background

After the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024, a mob looted and vandalized the offices of ATN Bangla and ATN News forcing them to stop transmission. [19] A mob also attacked the offices of Ekattor TV, Independent Television, and Somoy TV. [20] Gaan Bangla TV was also vandalized. [21] Mobs attacked and vandalized five to nine private television channels. [22] [23]

In the World Press Freedom Index, Bangladesh ranks 165 out of 180 countries. [24]

On 8 August 2024, Muhammad Yunus took power as the head of the interim government and was sworn into office. [25] There were exceptions that press freedom in Bangladesh would improve under the new government. [26] Sheikh Hasina's government had suppressed the press during its 15 year rule. [27] The interim government issued an order that provided immunity to actions of protestors from 15 July to 8 August, including murder. [28] [29]

History

A mob led by ATM Akram Hossain Talim, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party politician, vandalised the Bagerhat Press Club. [30] Mourners outside Bangabandhu Memorial Museum were assaulted on 15 August and the media were prevent from documenting the incident. [31] [32] Talat Mahmud Rafi, the University of Chittagong coordinator of the quota movement, warned the media about reporting on the movement. [33] He said it would take him less than 15 seconds to finish them off on 18 August. [33] He said that after the media reported that five coordinators had resigned from the movement at the university following a dispute with leadership. [33]

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, the office of the president and general secretary of the Jatiya Press Club was vandalised and forcefully occupied after Abdul Hannan Masud of the quota movement demanded their resignation and banning Awami League-supporting journalists from the profession. [34] [35] The office of Shyamal Dutta of the Jatiya Press Club, National Press Club of Bangladesh, was vandalised, and he was prevented from leaving Bangladesh. [36] On 12 August 2024, A section of Jatiya Press Club's managing committee revoked the memberships of its president, Farida Yasmin, general secretary, Shyamal Dutta and managing committee member, Shahnaj Siddiqui Soma. [37]

Bangladesh National Press Club building Bangladesh National Press Club building.jpg
Bangladesh National Press Club building

A mob attacked and vandalized Chittagong Press Club. [38] Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, threatened to burn down any TV or newspaper that showed video or photo of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina at a public rally of his party. [38] On 18 August 2024, the offices of Kaler Kantho and Radio Capital were vandalized at the East West Media Group compound. [39] About 25 vehicles in the media compound were damaged. [40] Moniruzzaman Monir, President of Raipura Upazila Press Club and correspondent of Desh Rupantar, was shot after being physically assaulted on 13 August. [41]

In September, a journalist was assaulted by paramilitary Bangladesh Ansar soldiers outside the Bangladesh Secretariat. [42] He was covering a clash between the paramilitary unit and students. [42]

In November, editor of the New Age, Nurul Kabir, was harassed twice at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. [43] The International Federation of Journalists and Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum condemned the harassment. [43] Protestors, incited by radical Islamist groups, violently attacked the offices of independent newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo , accusing them of promoting anti-Islamic and pro-India agendas. [44] The protestors killed a cow, considered holy in Hinduism, [45] in front of the newspaper office. [46] Reporters Without Borders condemned the assaults and urged the interim government to ensure press freedom. [44]

In December, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement Hasnat Abdullah led a group of students and barged into the office of City Group which owns Somoy Television. [47] He had alleged the journalists were engaging in propaganda and twisting his words. [47] After the incident five journalist of the television channel were sacked without any explanation. [47]

On 3 February 2025, a correspondent of the daily Samakal was attacked with hammer and knives over his reporting in Shariatpur District. [48] Three other journalists were injured while trying to protect him. [48] On 5 February journalists were attacked by Bangladesh Nationalist Party activists while covering the trial of the case over a 1994 attack on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the premises of Bangladesh Supreme Court. [49] Police attack journalists covering a protest on 9 February in Dhaka. [49] Bangladesh Nationalist Party politician attacked a journalist in Thakurgaon District on 25 February. [49] A mob attacked a stall of the Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka for selling books by exiled author Taslima Nasreen. [50] [51] The stall was closed after the incident. [52]

In March, two journalists were attacked at Barishal Court and another was attacked in Dhaka. [53] [54] There was an attack on the Dhaka Reporters' Unity injuring three. [55] A woman journalist was gang-raped in Dhaka on 18 March which was condemned by ARTICLE 19. [56] [57] In April, New Age editorial assistant Rafia Tamanna and Daily Prantojon editor Sajedul Islam Selim were assaulted. [58] In Rajshahi, the office of Prothom Alo was attacked for allegedly being an “agent of India”. [3]

Mahmud Tanjid, a correspondent for Daily Sangbad based at Jagannath University in Dhaka, published a report alleging that the student wing of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami political party had assumed control of several university-affiliated social and cultural organizations. [3] Subsequently, an official affiliated with one of these organizations filed a defamation complaint against Tanjid. [3] He said, “I had proof they controlled these organizations but stayed hidden during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, After the change, their committee list revealed their leaders also led university organizations. This case is meant to harass and isolate me, disrupting my studies for reporting the truth.” [3]

The advisor in charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Md Mahfuj Alam, announced a revenue of all media organizations owned by people affiliated with the Awami League and then take "necessary actions". [59] He also announced that the government would form a task force to "improve quality" of newspapers in Bangladesh. [59] The Media Reform Commission head Kamal Ahmed and other members attended the meeting. [59]

On 22 April 2025, a mobile court in Tala, Satkhira District, sentenced journalist Kamruzzaman to 10 days of imprisonment for allegedly assaulting a sub-assistant engineer and obstructing government work. [60] The sentence was issued by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer following on-site witness testimonies. [60] Kamruzzaman denied the charges, claiming he was collecting information on poor construction quality when the incident escalated into a physical altercation. [60] Journalist Rubel Hossain was arrested in Lakshmipur District in connection with the murder of student Sad Al Afnan during the protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. [61] Hossain, a correspondent for Dhaka Mail , claimed he was reporting on the protest and was falsely implicated. [61] A group allegedly beat him before being handed over to police and later sent to jail by court order. [61]

On 29 April, Deepto TV temporarily suspended its news broadcasting, citing internal reforms. [62] The decision followed public controversy involving a reporter from the channel, Mizanur Rahman, who faced backlash for a question posed to Cultural Adviser Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi regarding the number of 1,400 July martyrs. [62] It also terminated two journalists. [63] Government officials claimed that the state did not impose the suspension. [62] ATN Bangla also took action against a report from the same conference for questioning Faooqi. [62]

The Rangpur District correspondent of My TV received a death threat for his reporting. [64] Satkhira District correspondent of Kaler Kantho,Tipu Sultan, was sentenced to 10 days imprisonment by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer while seeking information on corruption over the construction of the Tala Upazila Parishad Complex building. [65] A correspondent of Bdnews24.com was assaulted in Brahmanbaria District by affiliated activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. [66] His attackers filed a case against him. [67] Mottasin Biswas, a local leader of the Students Against Discrimination in Chapainawabganj District, threatened Prothom Alo journalist Anwar Hossain via a Facebook post that included crossed-out images and intimidating language. [68] In response, Anwar filed a general diary with the police, citing concerns for his safety, and journalist organizations condemned the incident. [68] Journalist Anwar Hossain has accused Khedapara UP Chairman Abdul Alim of issuing death threats over WhatsApp after being questioned about alleged irregularities in a government-funded road renovation project in Monirampur, Jessore. [69]

On 4 May 2025, a confrontation occurred at the Daily Janakantha office in Dhaka, reportedly triggered by a protest from journalists demanding overdue wages. [70] Tensions escalated when a group of outsiders allegedly broke into the office, assaulted several journalists and staff, and disrupted the demonstration. [70] The protest had been ongoing for several days, and five journalists involved had recently been dismissed without clear resolution of their dues. [70] According to some Janakantha employees, the attackers were linked to the National Citizen Party (NCP). [70] However, Zainal Abedin Shishir—Janakantha's Planning Advisor and an NCP leader—claimed the clash resulted from internal disputes and prior opposition by certain journalists to political protests, stating that police were called to defuse the situation. [70] The NCP has since sought a formal explanation from Shishir regarding his role in the incident. [70] On 8 May 2025, a local media, Desh Sangsang, office in Khulna was torched on fire for inadvertently publishing pro-Awami League narrative by calling Sheikh Hasina Prime Minister. [71] Firoz Kamal Faruk, a journalist and office secretary of the Nandigram Upazila Awami League in Bogura, was arrested in connection with five cases, including charges of murder and sabotage. [72] He served as a local correspondent for the national dailies Kaler Kantho and Bhorer Darpan. [72] A journalist and student, Rayhan Abid, was assaulted by students at Bangladesh Agricultural University over alleged ties to Bangladesh Chhatra League, leading to his hospitalization. [73] In response, the university administration temporarily suspended the activities of the Bangladesh Agricultural University Press Club, citing violations of its approval conditions. [73] The Daily Star reported 91 journalists were harassed or assaulted in May alone. [74]

A violent clash broke out at Dhaka South City Corporation's Nagar Bhaban between rival factions of the pro-BNP workers' union, allegedly over differences surrounding Ishraque Hossain on 24 June 2025. [75] Supporters of Ishraque attacked suspected opposition members and assaulted a journalist, threatening him with a knife for filming. [75] A legal team filed a complaint with the UN over the continued detention of Bangladeshi journalists Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed, calling the charges politically motivated and arbitrary. [76]

In July 2025, BNP leader Bilkis Akter Jahan (Shirin) filed a defamation case worth BDT 50 million against Akhtar Faruk (Shahin), Barishal bureau chief of Daily Jugantor , over a report alleging her involvement in illegal land grabbing. [77] The court has taken the case into cognizance and summoned the journalist to appear on 1 September 2025. [77] Journalist associations in Barishal have condemned the lawsuit and demanded its immediate withdrawal. [77] A statement by 51 journalists have demanded bail for imprisoned colleagues and protested threats and harassment against the media. [78] They reported 10 journalists killed, 412 accused, 39 arrested, and over one thousand dismissed from their jobs in the past 11 months. [78] The Dhaka Union of Journalists office has remained closed for 11 months. [78] Over 300 journalists have travel ban and over a 100 have their bank accounts frozen. [78] The statement urged the government to ensure media freedom and take action against those intimidating journalists. [78] On 27 July 2025, a special court in Dhaka issued arrest warrants against three journalists in connection with a case filed under the Digital Security Act. [79] The individuals named in the warrant are Naem Nizam, former editor of Bangladesh Pratidin ; Moynal Hossain Chowdhury, publisher of Bangladesh Pratidin; and Syed Borhan Kabir, editor of Bangla Insider. [79] Security forces attacked journalist Milan Tripura in Khagrachari District and forced him to delete his footage. [80] The Committee to Protect Journalists called for an investigation into the incident. [80]

In August 2025, former Upazila Chhatra Dal president Khaled Manjur (Rommel) allegedly assaulted journalist Zahidul Islam at the Kolaroa Reporters Club and threatened to kill him. [81] The journalist filed a general diary with police, prompting condemnation from local media and a police investigation. [81] In Gazipur, journalist Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin, 38, was killed after being hacked and having his throat slit by attackers who had earlier warned him not to film a violent clash involving an assault on a woman. [82] Police say he ignored the threats, and was attacked later while sitting at a tea stall. [82] Journalist Anwar Hossain Sourav, 32, was beaten with bricks and stones by a mob for protesting illegal extortion. [82] A viral video shows the attack happening near a police car, with the police officers making limited attempts to intervene. [82] Sourav was injured and hospitalized, and police have arrested one suspect in connection with his assault. [82] Journalist Firoz Ahmed was assulted in Kushtia with hammers and metal rods. [83] On 17 August 2025, Detective Branch arrested the chairman of My TV Nasir Uddin in a murder case filed over the death of a protestor in July 2024 protests against Sheikh Hasina. [84] His son, Tawhid Afridi, was arrested in the murder case as well. [85] [86] His arrest took place after July Revolutionary Alliance gave the interim government an ultimate on 17 August to detain Tawhid Afridi. [87] According to the International Federation of Journalists, journalist Bibhuranjan Sarkar faced intimidation from local authorities before his body was found in the Meghna River in Munshiganj District. [88]

Press accreditation

The government of Bangladesh revoked the press credentials of 167 journalists. [89] There was no explanation for the revocations. [90] This move was condemned by human rights organizations. [91] [92] The accreditation were issued by the Press Information Department. [93] The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit started targeting bank accounts of journalists following a request from the Ministry of Information. [7] [94] [95]

Following a fire at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the government of Bangladesh restricted access to the secretariat for all journalists. [96] [97] The government stated the restriction was placed for security reasons. [98]

Criminal charges

Around 140 journalists have been accused in cases filed over the death of protestors against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. [99] Many of the accused have been forced to go into hiding. [99] In one case, the name of journalist Mohammad Nesar Uddin was added to the list of accused while the plaintiff did not even know the journalist. [99] Critics have argued the case were not based on evidence. [24]

Closure of media organizations

Bhorer Kagoj began publications on 15 February 1992 led by founding editor Nayeemul Islam Khan. [100] [101] In January 2025, the owners stopped the print edition of Bhorer Kagoj following protests by employees some of whom were linked to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. [102] After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government and the detention of editor Shyamal Dutta some journalists backed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party had been trying to establish control over the newspaper. [102] [103] Shyamal Dutta, former secretary general of the National Press Club, has been in jail since September 2024. [104] The Interim government delisted the newspaper in April 2025. [105]

On 5 August 2024, Somoy TV abruptly ceased transmissions temporarily shortly after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina after being attacked and vandalized by mobs. [106] [107] [108] The channel later went back on the air. [109] On 10 August 2024, it was reported that the managing director and chief executive of Somoy, Ahmed Jobaer, was relieved from his position and replaced by Shampa Rahman as the former. This decision was taken after a meeting of Somoy's Board of Directors. Jobaer later clarified that the license of Somoy was in his name and, according to regulations, he must be in charge of the main operations. He also stated that he would go to court to challenge the decision. Somoy later denied sacking Jobaer, calling the board meeting "illegal" on its web portal. [110] [111] [112] [113] Justices Naima Haider Sashanka Shekhar Sarkar of the High Court Division ordered Somoy to suspend broadcasts for a week following a writ petition filed by Shampa Rahman, the managing director of the television channel. [114] [115] Somoy went off the air on television at 23:59 (BST) on 19 August 2024, although it continued its operations online. [116] [117] According to the petitioner's lawyer, Ahsanul Karim, Somoy TV was used as a mouthpiece of the previous Awami League government. [118] Ahmed Jobaer subsequently filed an application with the company bench of the High Court which challenged the validity of his removal. He also filed an appeal in the chamber court of the appellate division to resume the television broadcasts of Somoy. [119] The hearing of the writ petition occurred on 25 August 2024, [120] with the order on Somoy's broadcast suspension originally being scheduled for 27 August, [121] [122] but was later postponed until 1 September. [123] Meanwhile, Somoy resumed television broadcasts under new management on 26 August at 23:59 (BST). [124] [125]

In August 2025, Daily Janakantha became the subject of a dispute over its editorial control, following allegations by editor and publisher Shamima A Khan that a rival group of staff, backed by retired army officer and former Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Major Afizur Rahman, had staged a takeover of the newspaper's office. [126] Khan accused Rahman of leading efforts to remove existing personnel and install a new editorial board. [126] Rahman, who was serving as chief operating officer of Janakantha's parent company, denied any involvement, stating he had been preoccupied with personal matters and had since stepped back from his role. [126] The incident triggered broader scrutiny of Rahman's past activities in the media sector, particularly during his 11-year tenure at the DGFI, where he faced allegations of media intimidation and interference. [126] Critics also linked him to businessman Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat and former state minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, as well as to prior attempts to influence journalist union elections. [126] Rahman denied the allegations, asserting that his actions were in line with official directives and not personal initiatives. [126]

Notable cases

The International Crimes Tribunal Old High Court Building Dhaka Bangladesh.jpg
The International Crimes Tribunal

The International Crimes Tribunal Investigation agency has accused Shyamal Dutta, editor of the Bhorer Kagoj, [127] of inciting murder, genocide, and torture during the 2024 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement. [128] [129] In addition, a case was filed against him in connection with the murder of Mohammad Fazlu, which occurred in Dhaka's Bhashantek area during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. [130] [131] On March 6, 2025, Shyamal Dutta was detained near the Dhobaura border in Mymensingh while allegedly attempting to cross into India. [132] [133] On September 23, 2025, a Dhaka court rejected his bail application and ordered him to be sent to jail. Prior to the rejection of his bail, Dutta had been placed on a seven-day remand for interrogation related to the murder case. [134] [135] [136] The arrest of Shyamal Dutta has drawn concern from several international journalist organizations. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the Editors' Council expressed concerns over press freedom and called for a fair trial. [137] [138] [139]

Gazi MH Tamim filed a case of genocide at the International Crimes Tribunal against Mozammel Haque Babu, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Tureen Afroz, journalist Shahriar Kabir, professor of the University of Dhaka Muntasir Mamun and 15 others over the police raid on 2013 Shapla Square protests of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh. [140] Other accused were journalist Subhash Singha Roy, convener of Gonojagoron Moncho Imran H. Sarker, journalist Ahmed Zobayer, journalist Nayeemul Islam Khan, former director general of National Security Intelligence M Manzur Ahmed, and Aziz Ahmed, chief of Bangladesh Army. [141] [142] Babu is currently in jail on charges of abetting genocide, crimes against humanity, and murder during the student protests. [143] [144]

Nayeemul Islam Khan is a Bangladeshi journalist and former press secretary to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. [145] On March 3, 2025, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) ordered the freezing of the personal and institutional bank accounts of Nayeemul Islam Khan, his wife Nasima Khan Monty, and their children. The directive was issued to all banks and financial institutions in Bangladesh. [146] [147] On the same day, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) obtained a court order to seize the tax files of Khan and his wife. [148] Khan was named as an accused in a case filed over the death of Sajjad Hossain, a student who was shot during the anti-discrimination movement in Rangpur. The case also named former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and journalist Subhash Singha Roy, among others. [149] [150] Additionally, another case was filed at Jatrabari Police Station in connection with the death of Nayeem Howlader, a student who was shot during anti-quota protests. The case accused Hasina and seven journalists, including Khan. [151]

Subhash Singha Roy is a Bangladeshi journalist and politician. [152] [153] [154] He is a recipient of the Bangla Academy Literary Award. [155] He is the editor of the news website ABnews24.com. [156] The Anti-Discrimination Students' Movement demanded Roy be expelled from the Jatiya Press Club on 10 August 2025 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. [157] This was criticized as an attack on the freedom of the press. [158] Roy was sued along with 25 journalists at the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity. [159] [160] The case was filed by Gazi MH Tamim representing Harun Ijahar Chowdhury of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh over the deaths in police action against the 2013 Shapla Square protests. [161] Others accused included Shahriar Kabir and Muntassir Mamoon. [161] Reporters Without Borders demanded withdrawal of the case against journalists. [162] The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit sought information on his bank accounts and those of 28 journalists. [163]

Nasima Khan Monty is a Bangladeshi journalist, writer, [164] and the editor of the national Daily Amader Arthaniti. [165] Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus imposed a travel ban on her, her husband, and their three daughters. [166] Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit investigated their bank accounts. [167] Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib of Dhaka Metropolitan imposed a travel ban on her and her family following a petition of the Anti-Corruption Commission. [168] Former president of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Molla Jalal was arrested in November 2024. [169]

Mithila Farzana is a Bangladeshi journalist and former counsellor at the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa, Canada. [170] [171] She was the Head of Current Affairs at Ekattor Television. [172] After the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the fall of the Awami League government, she and Aparna Rani Pal were recalled to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from their posts at the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa, Canada. [173] [174] On 29 August 2024, a case of genocide was filed by Gazi MH Tamim against 52, of whom 32 were journalists, including Farzana, at the International Crimes Tribunal. [175] [176] The accused also included former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the journalists were accused of "inciting" her. [177]

Julfikar Ali Manik is a Bangladeshi journalist and writer known for his reporting on Islamic extremism in Bangladesh. [178] [179] He has written for The Daily Star, [180] Dhaka Tribune, [181] The New York Times, [182] Mint, [183] The Seatle Times, [184] The Orange County Register, [185] South Asia Citizens Wire, [186] and The Business Standard. [187] After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government, about 1000 journalists were targeted after being "deemed too secular". [188] [189] Manik has also been targeted for his reporting against Islamic extremism and terrorism. [188] Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit sought information on his bank accounts along with 26 other journalists and media professionals. [190] He was one of the accused in a murder case filed over the death of a protestor along with 164 others including seven other journalists. [191]

Munni Saha Munni Saha (5) (cropped).jpg
Munni Saha

Sumi Khan is a Bangladeshi investigative journalist known for her reporting on radical fact-check minority persecution, and political affairs in Bangladesh. [192] [193] [194] She was forced into exile in February 2025 due to increasing threats from radical Islamist groups. [195] Previously, she had also faced intimidation from the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, which she alleges has significant influence over the Muhammad Yunus led interim government and media in Bangladesh. [195] She has criticized arrest of journalists Shyamal Dutta and Mozammel Haque Babu, as well as the revocation of press accreditations for over 160 journalists by the new regime. [195] She alleges that the government has empowered the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to take control of the media in Bangladesh. [195]

Munni Saha is a Bangladeshi journalist and television host. [196] [197] From 2016 to 2023, she was the editor-in-chief of ATN News, [198] a broadcast news TV channel in Bangladesh. [199] Saha was charged with crimes against humanity, along with several other journalists. [200] The charges were linked to a murder case filed for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the uprising. [201] In December 2024, she was verbally attacked by a mob, which accused her of attempting to make Bangladesh a part of India. [202]

On August 21, 2024, Farzana Rupa, former principal correspondent of Ekattor TV. [203] [204] was detained at Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport in connection with a murder case filed at Uttara East Police Station. [205] On March 5, 2025, during a court appearance, she stated, "I am a journalist. One murder case is enough to hang me," and expressed the desire to represent herself for bail, citing a lack of legal representation. [206] Her detention sparked concern from organizations including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM), and The Editors' Council. [207] [208] [209] [210] Rupa was sent to jail by Magistrate Farzana Shakila Sumu Chowdhury after rejecting her bail petition. [211] Her legal team filed a complaint with the United Nations. [212] Her husband and journalist, Shakil Ahmed, was detained with her. [213] On 8 August 2024, Shakil Ahmed was dismissed from his position at Ekattor TV. [213] A statement from Mustafa Azad, on behalf of the channel’s management, confirmed their dismissal. [213] The detention of Ahmed and Rupa prompted statements from several international media organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM), and The Editors' Council. These organizations called for their release, expressing concerns about press freedom in Bangladesh. [214] [215] [216] [217] [218]

Farida Yasmin is the first female president of the National Press Club. She was forcefully removed from the Jatiya Press Club, and her membership was revoked. Farida Yasmin (9).jpg
Farida Yasmin is the first female president of the National Press Club. She was forcefully removed from the Jatiya Press Club, and her membership was revoked.

Shakil Ahmed is a Bangladeshi journalist and former head of news at Ekattor TV, a private television channel in Bangladesh. [221] [222] Ahmed is currently in jail on charges of abetting genocide, crimes against humanity, and murder during the student protests. [223] On 17 November 2024, Arif Hasan, Managing Director of Desh TV, was placed on a two-day police remand by a metropolitan magistrate court in Dhaka in connection with a case filed over an alleged attempted murder during the protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 19 July 2024. [224]

Farida Yasmin is a Bangladeshi journalist, and former president of the Jatiya Press Club. [225] [226] [227] She was the first female president of the National Press Club. [219] She was forcefully removed from the Jatiya Press Club and her membership was revoked. [220] [228] She was charged with crimes against humanity at the International Crimes Tribunal. [128] Naem Nizam, former editor of Bangladesh Partidin, was sued with the International Crimes Tribunal as well. [143] The Ministry of Information ordered the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate the bank accounts of Naem Nizam and 27 other journalists. [7]

Syed Ishtiaque Reza was accused in a murder case related to the student quota protests in Jatrabari, Dhaka. A case was filed against him and six other journalists following the death of a student during clashes between protesters and law enforcement. [229] [230] [231] In December 2024, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit requested banking information for Reza and 11 other journalists, along with details of their privately owned companies. [232] [233] [234] The interim government stripped him and 117 other journalists of their accreditation. [235]

Press secretary at Chief Adviser's Office Shafiqul Alam Press secretary at Chief Adviser's Office Shafiqul Alam 15.jpg
Press secretary at Chief Adviser's Office Shafiqul Alam

Reaction

Workers Party of Bangladesh politician, Sharif Shamshir, said the persecutions took place, "not because they committed any real crime but because they were considered to be allies of the Hasina government and their fate depends on how the parties close to the new system think about them in the end.". [1] Dhaka Reporters Unity has condemned filing murder charge against 25 journalists, including President of the Dhaka Reporters Unity Syed Shukkur Ali Shuvo, on 11 September 2024. [236]

President of Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh, Nazrul Islam Mithu, said “The government urges journalists to criticize them. But they are not ensuring conditions conducive to healthy journalism. An atmosphere of fear is prevailing,”. [237] Journalist Robaet Ferdous said, “People thought the situation would change after Aug. 5. But the situation has not changed. Now, the students have replaced the government agencies deciding who would go to TV talk shows or not,” and “Theoretically, an atmosphere of free journalism exists, but not in practice,”. [237] The Daily Star had requested an end to filing dubious murder cases against journalists, lawyers, doctors, actors and others with alleged ties to Awami League for legal harassment. [238]

Reporters Without Borders, Transparency International Bangladesh, and Editors’ Council condemned the revocation of press credentials of 167 journalists by the Press Information Department. [239] Reporters Without Borders called for the withdrawal of unfounded murder charges against journalists and end of judicial harassment. [200] Committee to Protect Journalists said, “CPJ is alarmed by the apparently baseless criminal cases lodged against Bangladeshi journalists in retaliation for their work, which is seen as supportive of the recently ousted government,”. [240] Article 19 called on the Interim government to protect freedom of expression and stated the Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025, made to replace the Cyber Security Act, did not adhere to international human rights standards. [241]

UNESCO-International Programme for the Development of Communication and News Network started a program for safety of journalists working in Dhaka. [242] It also asked the government to ensure the safety of journalists. [242] According to William Horsley, Executive Committee member of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, despite Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus's claims of media freedom under Bangladesh’s interim government, journalists continue to face arrests, threats, and censorship, with critics calling it a retaliatory purge. [243]

Government response

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary of the Interim government, said the government will not hinder press freedom. [244] The government established the Media Reform Commission which provided recommendation to the government on improving the media in Bangladesh. [245] Chief advisor of the interim government Muhammad Yunus acknowledged that the murder charges against over 140 journalists were hastily filed under outdated laws and pledged to halt such actions while forming a review committee. [246] He also stated that revoked press accreditation would restrict access to government buildings but not prevent journalists from working. [246] The government founded a CA Press Wing Facts to fact-check news but critics questioned the role of the government as the arbitrator of truth. [247]

References

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