Photo: Messenger
The persecution of journalists by the state is not a new phenomenon, especially in authoritarian regimes. Around the world, from Afghanistan under the Taliban to Myanmar, Belarus, Türkiye, and the Philippines, the press—often referred to as the "fourth pillar of democracy"—has been brutally repressed. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is not exempt from this pattern. After Sheikh Hasina’s government fell on August 5, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus came into the leadership of the interim government with the support of Students and peoples. Many believed that this marked the beginning of a new chapter for media freedom. Some even referred to it as a "second liberation" for the people along with journalists. However, the political shift has seen a disturbing rise in attacks, legal cases, and detentions targeting journalists, raising serious concerns about the new government’s approach.
Despite the Yunus-led government’s initial promises to ensure freedom of speech and the protection of journalists, the reality on the ground has been starkly different. In the two months since Hasina's resignation, many journalists have faced threats, with some even being subjected to physical attacks. The rising number of murder charges and other criminal cases against senior journalists, even in the rural areas, paints a grim picture. The sharp increase in politically motivated cases is not only a sign of the worsening environment for journalists in Bangladesh but also a troubling indication of how the new government views press freedom. This crackdown could have damaging international repercussions, as it signals that freedom of expression in Bangladesh is in trouble.
In a troubling incident on September 16, police arrested Shyamol Dutta, former Secretary of National Press Club along with another senior journalist Mozammel Babu who was a CEO of Ekattor TV, in Mymensingh. Despite no prior complaints, both were detained in connection with a murder case, along with two others, including Ekattor TV reporter Mahbubur Rahman. On September 17, a Dhaka court placed these two journalists on a seven-day remand. Shyamal Dutta is not only a prominent journalist; he is the Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Film Censor Board, and Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA). He is a well-known figure with significant international experience. His detention, particularly on such severe charges, raises serious questions about the press freedom in Bangladesh.
Various international organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Commonwealth Journalists' Association have urged the interim government to safeguard the rights of media workers. Despite these appeals, little has been done to address the growing threats. Although a committee was established on October 7 to monitor cases against journalists, but its exact role and effectiveness remain unclear. Still, it did not start any activities till now.
Among Bangladesh's women journalists, Shahnaz Sharmin is widely known. She is a senior reporter for a private television channel. On August 5, the day Sheikh Hasina’s government fell, she began live reporting at 9 a.m. from outside the Rawa Club in Mohakhali, covering the activities of retired army officers. She continued reporting there until 1 p.m. and was later assigned to the gate of Bangabhaban, where she reported live until 11 p.m. However, Shahnaz Sharmin has since been charged in the shooting death of a youth named Fazlu (31) on that same day. She is listed as the 50th accused among 165 people charged in the case—shockingly, 24 of the accused are professional journalists.
On august 23, 7 journalists were also charged in connection with the shooting death of student Naeem Howladar (17) in Jatrabari of the capital. High-profile media figures such as Ekattor TV’s Mozammel Babu, former news chief Syed Ishtiaq Reza, and ATN News' Munni Saha were among those charged. Many of these arrests appear politically motivated. Journalist couple Shakeel Ahmed and Farzana Rupa were arrested at the airport as they prepared to leave for France, with no prior charges against them. After their arrest, they were placed in remand under a previous case, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the charges.
These politically charged cases often target journalists who have little to do with the alleged incidents, creating a culture of fear and intimidation. In one particularly concerning move, a complaint was filed in the International Crimes Tribunal, naming 29 journalists and editors alongside former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other high-ranking officials. The complaint accused these journalists of spreading false news to justify the crimes of the previous government, despite no clear evidence linking them to any criminal activity.
It is said in the complaint, "accused number 20 to 49 (mainly journalists) have spread false news about the demands and objectives of the protesting students in order to legitimize the crimes against humanity and genocide committed by the Awami League and the law enforcers."
According to the claim of the petitioner, if the accused journalists had spread false news, then he could have filed a case against them under the relevant law, could have gone to the Press Council, instead of doing that, he directly charged him with incitement to murder, on what basis? Looking at the list of accused, it seems that the plaintiff does not know them. Journalists whose names and identities have been wrongly given in other cases or complaints are copied here exactly. Some of the arrested have been remanded several times. If there are allegations against these journalists of corruption and abuse of power or wrongful taking advantage of state privileges, a case could be filed under the relevant section. But why the murder case?
These meritless cases, particularly those involving murder charges, serve only to weaken the rule of law in Bangladesh. The journalists targeted are, in many cases, individuals with long-standing reputations and international credentials. By filing these charges, the interim government sends a message that journalistic independence is under siege, casting doubt on the country’s commitment to democracy and freedom of speech.
Journalists are the voice of the oppressed in any society. When a state remains silent and fails to act against oppression, it signals a grim future for democracy. Millions have placed their trust in the interim government led by Dr. Yunus, a globally renowned figure. However, it is crucial to uncover who is responsible for the irregularities during his tenure and who is attempting to undermine his leadership.
The issue of journalists’ salaries has been a long-standing problem. Nahid Islam, an information advisor and leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, recently pledged to address these issues. He also announced plans to establish a Media Reform Commission, which brings hope for meaningful change and accountability.
We look forward to seeing immediate action on the committee's recommendations regarding the cases, assaults, and detentions of journalists—not just promises on paper. Nahid’s initiative to end the harassment of journalists could bring much-needed relief, restoring confidence in the press. Only then can the dream of a new Bangladesh truly come to life.
The writer is a PhD Scholar at the University of Delhi. He can be reached at: [email protected].
Messenger/Fameema
