Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has issued a report highlighting a troubling increase in violent attacks on journalists in Bangladesh. Released last Friday, the document calls upon the Bangladeshi government to intervene decisively to address this surge in violence.
The report details a series of incidents that have intensified since February, showcasing a pattern of systematic violations against the constitutional rights of media professionals. It describes instances where journalists have been targeted by political activists and police officers, as well as private citizens. One of the stark examples involved an invasion of the Chattogram Pratidin newspaper’s office by workers of a textile factory upset over a critical article. The conflict was only resolved when the newspaper’s management agreed to publish a right of reply.
Another alarming incident took place in Shariatpur, where a journalist was assaulted with a hammer and knife after reporting on medical negligence. Associates of a clinic owner orchestrated the attack, which also resulted in injuries to three other journalists who had intervened to help their colleague. The targeted correspondent had been threatened with death only a day prior.
This escalation of violence has raised concerns among international journalism circles. Despite Article 39 of the Bangladeshi Constitution enshrining freedom of thought and expression, Bangladesh’s rank on RSF’s Press Freedom Index fell to 165 out of 180 in 2024, a drop of two places compared to the previous year. This decline underscores the severity of the situation for journalists in the country.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in conjunction with the Bangladesh Human Rights Journalists Association (BHRJA), has also condemned the recurring violations against media rights, urging the interim government to bolster press freedom. Earlier, RSF had criticized Bangladesh for its inadequate protection measures for journalists, especially evident during election periods. Despite the political change following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ousting in August 2024 and the establishment of a new interim government, the threats facing journalists remain substantial.
RSF’s South Asia Desk has emphasized that this upward trend in media-targeted violence is alarming, urging authorities to prosecute those responsible and ensure the safety of media personnel. As the nation navigates its evolving political landscape, the protection of press freedom is presented as a critical issue that the government cannot afford to overlook.