Silenced Voices: The Perilous State of Journalism in Bangladesh

The body of Bibhuranjan Sarkar, a senior assistant editor at Bengali daily Ajker Patrika, was discovered on August 22, 2025, a day after he vanished in Dhaka. His death was not an isolated incident but a grim consequence of the escalating threats against journalists in Bangladesh. The interim government’s chief adviser’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, had issued menacing statements following an editorial published on August 15, 2024, which suggested that militants had been involved in the country’s mass uprisings. Alam’s threats included revoking the outlet’s license, labeling eight journalists as “friends of fascists,” and demanding their dismissal. Under immense pressure, the article was removed, and Sarkar was placed on indefinite leave.

Sarkar’s final act was to email his “final piece of writing” to bdnews24.com on August 21. Published posthumously, the open letter laid bare the ongoing fear and financial precarity within the journalist community. He wrote, “Living by writing the truth is not easy.” Sarkar condemned the systemic injustices in Bangladesh’s media, including low wages, stalled recognition, and newsrooms operating under the constant threat of retaliation. He had lived in constant fear for his safety in recent years, and the intimidation continued even after his removal from Ajker Patrika. Repeated attempts to contact his editor went unanswered, leaving him isolated and vulnerable.

The Bangladesh Media Solidarity Forum (BMSF) and senior journalists have called for an independent judicial inquiry into Sarkar’s death, highlighting a strong concern over the culture of impunity for crimes against journalists in Bangladesh. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is closely monitoring the case. Sarkar’s death follows a series of brutal attacks on journalists, including the killing of Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin on August 7, who was stabbed to death in Gazipur after reporting on extortion, and the murder of Khandaker Shah Alam in northeast Dhaka on June 25 in retaliation for his reporting. Bangladesh was the second deadliest country for journalists in South Asia between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, according to the IFJ’s South Asia Press Freedom Report.

The BMSF has demanded a full judicial inquiry into Sarkar’s unnatural death, including an investigation into those threatening him for his work and rehabilitation for his family. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger stated, “The death of veteran journalist Bibhuranjan Sarkar underscores the broader attack on freedom of expression and the decline of independent journalism amid a culture of fear and intimidation in Bangladesh. The IFJ urges the interim government to uphold its commitment to the security of media workers and ensure journalists can fulfill their duties without fear of suppression or retribution.”

The Digital Security Act (DSA) 2018, which makes publishing information critical of the government a punishable offense, has had a chilling effect on the media. The DSA has led to fear of jail or even disappearance among journalists, limiting their perceived levels of professional autonomy. While previous research shows that journalists may practice self-censorship in such contexts, this research identifies a range of strategic practices that journalists in Bangladesh have developed to publish relevant information while avoiding the consequences of the DSA. Collectively, these strategies are referred to as ‘defensive journalism.’

The legal environment of the press in Bangladesh is a mix of century-old laws such as the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and newer statutes like the Digital Security Act, 2018. These laws, ostensibly designed to preserve public order, national security, and morality, often have vague and broad wordings that facilitate abuses leading to censorship, self-censorship, and suppression of dissent. For instance, more than 200 journalists in Bangladesh were prosecuted under the Digital Security Act from 2018 to 2022 alone—a clear indication of how the law chilled freedom of the press.

The current political climate in Bangladesh, particularly the actions of the interim government, has significantly impacted investor confidence in the country's media sector and broader economy. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been criticized for its handling of media freedom and political rights. The government has been accused of arbitrary suppression of political and legal rights, which has contributed to a volatile political environment. This is evident in the statement by the Bangladeshi government, which claimed that concerns about media suppression and arbitrary detentions were being taken seriously, but critics describe a very different reality. The government's insistence on barring dissenting voices, such as the Awami League, from competing in national elections next spring, has also raised concerns about authoritarian practices.

The media sector in Bangladesh has been particularly hard hit. The killing of journalists like Bibhuranjan Sarkar, Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin, and Khandaker Shah Alam, along with the detention of prominent journalists like Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed, has created a climate of fear and intimidation. The BMSF and senior journalists have called for an independent judicial inquiry into Sarkar’s death, noting a strong concern at the culture of impunity for crimes against journalists in Bangladesh. The IFJ is continuing to closely monitor developments with the case. This climate of fear and intimidation has led to a widespread retaliatory purge of media outlets sympathetic to the Hasina regime, with at least six journalists killed, dozens of media offices ransacked by mobs, hundreds of journalists summarily dismissed from their jobs and deprived of press accreditations, and many media houses forced to replace their owners.

The impact of these actions on investor confidence is significant. The volatile political environment and the suppression of media freedom create uncertainty and risk for investors. The arbitrary suppression of political and legal rights, the detention of journalists, and the use of the DSA to prosecute journalists all contribute to a climate of instability and unpredictability. This makes it difficult for investors to assess the risks and potential returns of investing in Bangladesh, particularly in the media sector. The government's actions have also raised concerns about the rule of law and the protection of property rights, which are crucial for investor confidence.

The ongoing threats and violence against journalists in Bangladesh have significant potential long-term economic implications. These issues can deter foreign investment and strain international relations, ultimately impacting the country's economic stability and growth. The climate of fear and intimidation faced by journalists can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in the media, which is crucial for a healthy investment environment. The suppression of journalists undermines these democratic principles, making it difficult for foreign investors to trust the integrity of the information they receive about the country's economic and political landscape.

The arbitrary detentions and physical attacks on journalists can create an image of instability and insecurity, which is detrimental to attracting foreign investment. For instance, the killing of journalist Bibhuranjan Sarkar on August 22, 2025, following threats from the interim government’s chief adviser’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, highlights the severe risks journalists face. This environment of danger can discourage foreign investors who prioritize safety and stability for their operations.

The government's use of laws like the Digital Security Act (DSA) to suppress journalists can also have economic repercussions. The DSA has been used to prosecute journalists for "false information," with a maximum penalty of 7 years for "defaming state institutions." This legal harassment can create a chilling effect on media freedom, making it difficult for journalists to report on economic issues without fear of retribution. As a result, foreign investors may be hesitant to engage in a market where critical reporting is stifled.

The targeting of journalists can strain Bangladesh's international relations, particularly with countries that prioritize press freedom. For example, the Swedish Government, represented by H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, has called for media freedom and equality within the media. The ongoing suppression of journalists in Bangladesh can lead to diplomatic tensions and potential sanctions from countries that value press freedom, further impacting the country's economic prospects.

The lack of press freedom can also affect Bangladesh's global image, making it less attractive for foreign investment. As noted in the Press Freedom Index, Bangladesh's ranking has been declining, which can deter potential investors who view a country's press freedom ranking as an indicator of its overall stability and governance. For instance, Bangladesh's ranking of 152nd out of 180 countries in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Index indicates a "Difficult Situation" for press freedom, which can be a red flag for foreign investors.

In conclusion, the ongoing threats and violence against journalists in Bangladesh have the potential to create a climate of fear and instability, which can deter foreign investment and strain international relations. The suppression of journalists undermines transparency and accountability, creates an image of insecurity, and can lead to diplomatic tensions and a negative global image, all of which can have long-term economic implications for the country. The path forward requires immediate repeal of draconian laws like the DSA, international protection for threatened journalists, and local solidarity among media houses. As Bangladesh approaches its next election cycle, the world watches whether its media can survive this existential crisis or succumb to full state capture.