Press Freedom Violations Continue in Bangladesh Despite Creation of Monitoring Panel

Just days after the government formed a special panel to review complaints of harassment against journalists, Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry revoked the press accreditation of 59 journalists believed to support the ousted administration. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urged the interim government not to use press accreditation as a tool of punishment, to stop politically motivated actions against journalists, and to focus on genuine reforms that promote press freedom.

On November 5, the ministry’s Press Information Department cancelled the press cards of 29 journalists considered loyal to the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from power in August. The previous day, 30 other journalists also lost their credentials for the same reason. These cards are essential for accessing government offices and official press briefings.

The revocation of these cards came only a week after the same ministry had announced a new mechanism to address harassment cases involving journalists — a decision initially welcomed by media advocates. However, the latest actions have undermined confidence in that initiative. RSF criticized the move as politically driven and intimidating, warning that it encourages self-censorship and threatens independent journalism.

According to RSF, nearly 140 journalists associated with the former government have been wrongfully accused of taking part in protest-related violence, with 25 even charged with “crimes against humanity.” Many have reportedly gone into hiding to avoid arrest.

The new “Committee for Monitoring Harassment Cases against Journalists in Mass Media” could, in theory, support victims of such abuses. However, doubts remain about its impartiality since it is composed mostly of government officials and lawyers. Journalists who seek help from the committee must first present “admissible evidence,” effectively forcing them to prove their innocence before being heard.

RSF has again called on the interim authorities to end the arrest and persecution of journalists and to take meaningful action to restore freedom of the press in Bangladesh. Prior to the government change, the country ranked 165th out of 180 in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.