Dhaka, July 8: Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League has raised serious concerns over what it describes as “unprecedented threats” to press freedom under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, citing a wave of violence, arrests, and censorship targeting journalists.
According to an open letter signed by 51 Bangladeshi journalists, and reported by Daily Republic, the media community faces relentless harassment, with 412 journalists implicated in allegedly fabricated or harassment cases, 39 arrested—many without bail or trial—and over 1,000 losing their jobs. In addition, 168 press cards and 101 press club memberships have been revoked, more than 100 journalists have had their bank accounts frozen, and over 300 face travel bans. Shockingly, at least 10 journalists have been killed, with no justice served so far.
The journalists demanded urgent action: an end to harassment, justice for murdered colleagues, bail for imprisoned reporters, and the reopening of the Dhaka Union of Journalists’ office, which has been locked for nearly a year.
The letter paints a grim picture, stating that Bangladesh is “hostage to mob terrorism,” with media houses facing attacks, including grotesque public displays such as cow slaughter and feasting outside newspaper offices. Despite clear identification of the perpetrators, no legal action has been taken, leading journalists to suspect backing by powerful groups.
They emphasized that the continued detention of journalists without trial is a gross violation of human rights. “We expected the interim government to be impartial and protect press freedom, but no substantial progress has been made,” the signatories noted.
The statement concluded with a direct appeal to the government to end intimidation, uphold media freedom, and stop branding journalists with political tags to silence dissenting voices.
