The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — an independent, non-governmental organisation dedicated to the advocacy of press freedom worldwide, called on Bangladesh's interim government s to enact immediate measures to safeguard press freedom and uphold constitutional commitments to freedom of expression.
"I am writing to respectfully urge your leadership to prioritise safeguarding these fundamental rights, which are enshrined in the country's constitution and reaffirmed by Bangladesh’s obligations as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," reads a letter written to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, CJP CEO Jodie Ginsberg on Sunday (10 November).
To that end, CPJ has outlined 10 steps for the interim government to consider:
1. Moratorium on Repressive Laws: Immediately halt enforcement of laws that contravene Bangladesh’s constitutional duty to protect freedom of expression and press freedom. This includes criminal defamation under the Penal Code and the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, 1923, pending their repeal or amendment to align with international human rights norms. We welcome the government's recent commitment to repealing the Cyber Security Act 2023. The CPJ has extensively documented how its predecessor, the Digital Security Act 2018, alongside criminal defamation and the Official Secrets Act, has been wielded to harass independent media, resulting in arrests and prolonged persecution.
2. Withdrawal of Criminal Cases Against Journalists: Facilitate the dismissal of hundreds of cases lodged against journalists in retaliation for their work. This includes cases under the repealed Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 — such as those targeting photojournalist and CPJ’s 2020 International Press Freedom Award recipient Shahidul Alam, and reporter Palash Kumar Dey (known as Pranto Palash). The Digital Security Act alone led to over 400 cases being filed against journalists, according to the Centre for Governance Studies in Dhaka.
3. Procedural Rights of Incarcerated Journalists: Ensure respect for the procedural rights of four incarcerated pro-Awami League journalists — Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta — including their right to a fair trial.
4. Investigations into Violence Against Journalists: Initiate transparent, independent investigations into recent attacks on journalists and media offices during Bangladesh's unrest, including the fatal shootings of on-duty reporters Hasan Mehedi and Abu Taher Md Turab in July 2024. Impunity for attacks, including the 2012 double murder of journalist couple Golam Mustofa Sarowar (Sagar Sarowar) and Meherun Runi and the 2023 killing of Golam Rabbani Nadim, persists. Fourteen journalists and media personnel have been murdered in connection with their work during the Awami League’s governance (2009–2024), with motives unconfirmed in at least eight other killings.
Investigations should address custodial violence under the previous regime, such as the 2018 alleged torture of photojournalist Shahidul Alam, cartoonist Kabir Kishore in 2020, and reporter Raghunath Kha in 2023. Authorities must also re-examine the 2021 custodial death of writer Mushtaq Ahmed and hold any perpetrators accountable.
Other incidents requiring attention include the 2020 enforced disappearance and jailing of Shafiqul Islam Kajol, abductions of journalists, assaults by the Bangladesh Chhatra League, and transnational repression affecting family members of foreign-based reporters, such as the 2023 attack on Mahinur Khan, brother of exiled journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan.
5. End Surveillance of Journalists: Cease undue monitoring and harassment of journalists, particularly those reporting from high-security areas, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Ensure the safety of district and rural reporters and those covering the Rohingya crisis, including ethnic Rohingya journalists.
6. Comprehensive Journalist Protection Law: Enact, in collaboration with media and civil society, a law to guarantee journalists' safety, ensuring they can work without fear of arrest or criminalisation.
7. Reform of the Bangladesh Press Council: Transform the Press Council into an independent, self-regulatory body that promotes media freedom and ethical reporting without punitive restrictions.
8. Streamlined Press Accreditation: Implement a transparent press accreditation and renewal process that does not impose undue burdens, especially on freelance journalists.
9. Unrestricted Access for Foreign Journalists: Maintain unimpeded visa processes for foreign journalists, addressing delays and restrictions that hindered reporting under the previous administration.
10. Access to Media and Communication Services: Ensure unrestricted access to media outlets and telecommunications. The previous government’s frequent disruption of internet and mobile services during unrest severely impeded media functionality.
The organisation further called for swift, independent, and transparent investigations into the numerous attacks and acts of violence against journalists and media offices amid recent unrest in Bangladesh.
It highlighted that at least 14 journalists and media workers were murdered for their work during the Awami League's rule from 2009 to 2024.
Additionally, CPJ recommended reforming the Bangladesh Press Council into an independent, self-regulating entity capable of addressing ethical grievances without criminalising or imposing restrictions on journalists’ work, thereby safeguarding press freedom.
