Freedom of expression and media independence have notably improved under the interim government, according to a survey conducted by Voice of America Bangla.
The poll, held from 13 to 27 October across all eight divisions of Bangladesh, included responses from 1,000 participants aged 18 and above.
The findings indicate that 60.4% of respondents believe they enjoy greater freedom of expression under the interim government compared to the previous Awami League regime.
Similarly, 61.2% said that the media now operates with greater independence.
While 25.2% opined that freedom of expression remains unchanged, 14.2% felt it had diminished.
A negligible 0.2% declined to comment.
Gender and age demographics shed further light on the sentiment.
Among male respondents, 64.3% reported an increase in freedom of expression, compared to 56.5% of women.
Young adults aged 18–34 years were slightly less optimistic, with 57.1% seeing improved expression rights, compared to 63.8% of those aged 35 and above.
Urban respondents expressed higher satisfaction (66.3%) compared to rural participants (58.4%).
Media freedom on the rise
The survey also delved into perceptions of media freedom, with 61.2% asserting that the media now enjoys greater independence.
In contrast, 18.5% found no difference, and 13.3% felt media freedoms had deteriorated under the interim government.
Urban participants (73.8%) overwhelmingly supported the view of increased media independence, while 57.1% of rural respondents agreed.
The results revealed generational and gender-based disparities.
Among younger respondents, 65.7% acknowledged enhanced media freedom, compared to 56.5% of older participants.
Similarly, 68.2% of men and 54.2% of women believed in greater media independence.
Despite recent improvements, Bangladesh's global press freedom ranking remains concerning.
The country ranked 165th in 2024, its lowest since the index’s inception in 2002.
Over the 15 years of Awami League governance, Bangladesh dropped 44 places on the index.
Experts attribute this decline to restrictive laws, selective media licensing, and a climate of fear.
The controversial Digital Security Act (DSA) was replaced by the Cyber Security Act last year, but critics, including The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam, have argued that it brought no significant improvement.
Interim government has announced plans to repeal the Cyber Security Act and withdraw related cases.
Those detained under these cases will be released immediately through legal channels.
Attacks on media and journalists
Following the fall of the Awami League on 5 August, media outlets perceived as aligned with the previous regime faced attacks.
Offices of channels like ATN, Ekattor TV, and Somoy TV were targeted, but such incidents subsided in subsequent weeks.
Several journalists associated with the Awami League have been implicated in cases, including allegations of murder, drawing criticism from organisations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Media reforms underway
The interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, has committed to safeguarding press freedoms.
In a speech on 11 September, Dr Yunus announced plans to establish a media reform commission to ensure unhindered journalistic practices.
The commission was formally launched on 17 September.
Despite these measures, the Editors’ Council, in a statement on 5 November, warned that attacks on media freedom persist.
The council called on the government to curb "mob justice" against media institutions.
RSF has welcomed the interim government’s recent initiatives, urging structural reforms to enhance press freedom.
Concerns persist among media owners
The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) expressed alarm over recent incidents targeting prominent outlets.
In a statement issued on 25 November, NOAB President AK Azad condemned attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices and called for decisive action against such incidents.
Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Ministry Adviser Nahid Islam remarked on the public’s dissatisfaction with misinformation and rumours spread by certain media outlets.
He assured that any attacks on media offices would be addressed by the government.
The survey underscores the challenges and opportunities for Bangladesh's media landscape as the interim government moves forward with reform initiatives.
