Bangladesh's Press Freedom Crisis: A Call for International Action

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has sounded the alarm on the deteriorating press freedom situation in Bangladesh, where journalists face an unprecedented wave of intimidation, legal action, and physical attacks. In just two weeks, 18 editors and journalists have been threatened with prison terms, and journalists have been targeted by politicians for reporting on government corruption. The IFJ President, Christopher Warren, has expressed concern that these incidents are fostering a culture of self-censorship in the media, compromising the very heart of democracy.

One journalist, Subrata Deb Roy Sanjay, was forced to flee his home after receiving death threats from a ruling party member, Hazi Mujib, for reporting on Mujib's alleged illegal business affairs. Sanjay has previously faced beatings, extortion attempts, and death threats, with no action taken by the police. Four journalists were severely injured by attackers believed to be organized by a local council chairman, and another journalist survived an attempted murder by armed criminals. Additionally, newspaper offices were vandalized, and a journalist received death threats for publishing an article critical of a political leader.

The IFJ condemns these incidents and calls on the police and the government of Bangladesh to take immediate action to ensure the safety of journalists, remove defamation from the criminal code, and respect media independence. The IFJ President, Christopher Warren, stated, "A truly democratic Bangladesh cannot be achieved without greater respect for press freedom and the public’s right to information."

The IFJ's concerns are echoed by the World Press Freedom Index, which ranked Bangladesh 165th out of 180 countries in 2024, indicating a significant decline in press freedom. The Digital Security Act, introduced in 2018, has been criticized for its broad provisions that allow for heavy fines and imprisonment for dissenting views, further encouraging self-censorship.

International investors and organizations, such as the IFJ, can play a crucial role in supporting and protecting journalists in Bangladesh by advocating for press freedom, providing training and financial support, and collaborating with local media outlets and civil society organizations. By working together, the international community can help promote press freedom and democratic values in Bangladesh, ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for the country.

In conclusion, the current press freedom crisis in Bangladesh demands immediate attention and action from the international community. By supporting journalists and advocating for press freedom, international investors and organizations can help safeguard the democratic values and economic development of Bangladesh.