The International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) has urged an immediate end to attacks on journalists in Bangladesh, highlighting that media professionals continue to face threats and repression even after the recent change in government.
In a report published on Monday examining the state of press freedom in Bangladesh, IJNet stated that law enforcement agencies are being used to target journalists. The report detailed that the central bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit has frozen the bank accounts of several journalists, while offices of various media outlets have also come under attack.
IJNet, a project of the US-based International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), noted sweeping changes in the country’s media landscape following the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in a popular student-led uprising. The report claimed that in addition to physical attacks and account freezes, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has revoked press accreditation cards of at least 167 journalists.
It further revealed that there had been attempts to incite unrest in front of the offices of two of Bangladesh’s leading newspapers—Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
The report observed a marked shift in media ownership and editorial leadership across several prominent outlets, stating: “Previously, many key positions in major media houses were occupied by journalists aligned with the Awami League. These posts are now being filled by individuals affiliated with the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. A total of 29 leadership positions across newspapers, television channels and online news portals have changed hands since the fall of the previous regime.”
According to IJNet, following the July uprising, student protesters began compiling blacklists of journalists, accusing them of acting against the interests of the state under the guise of journalism. As a result, several journalists have gone into hiding, fled the country, or ceased their professional activities. Others now face legal action or have been detained.
Asia Programme Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Beh Lih Yi expressed deep concern over what she described as “apparently baseless criminal charges” against journalists, their arrests, and attacks on media offices.
“We are alarmed by these actions,” said Beh. “This crackdown on press freedom must stop immediately.”
She added: “In this new political era, the methods of the former government cannot be repeated. Laws must not be used to persecute critics and journalists. At the same time, the media must uphold ethical standards and be free to report without fear of retribution."
