Extremists Threaten Bangladesh Journalist Over Anti-Hindu Reports

In a disturbing escalation of threats against press freedom, Bangladeshi journalist Trina Roy Choudhury has reportedly faced public death and gang-rape threats from Islamist extremists following her investigative reports exposing violence against the Hindu minority community.

According to verified social media posts and eyewitness testimonies, Prometheus Choudhury, Editor-in-Chief of The News—the digital platform where Trina works—was physically assaulted earlier this week by a group allegedly linked to extremist networks seeking to silence the newsroom’s reporting.

Targeted for Exposing Religious Violence

The attacks come after The News published a series of high-impact investigative reports detailing targeted killings, forced religious conversions, and temple vandalism across several districts in Bangladesh. The reports, supported by video evidence and survivor accounts, have drawn significant national and international attention.

Threats and Intimidation Campaign

Trina Roy Choudhury, widely respected for her fact-based and fearless journalism, has become the focus of an intense online hate campaign. Multiple extremist social media accounts have issued explicit rape and death threats, warning her to stop reporting on anti-Hindu hate crimes.

Despite repeated complaints, no significant law enforcement action has reportedly been taken so far. Human rights observers and media watchdogs have expressed grave concern over the lack of state protection, warning that impunity may further embolden radical actors.

Attack on Editor Prometheus Choudhury

Earlier this week, Prometheus Choudhury was assaulted outside The News office by a group of unidentified men. Witnesses stated the attackers beat and verbally abused him, warning him to “stop publishing against Islam.”
Choudhury has filed a police complaint, urging authorities to ensure the safety of his newsroom and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Global Outrage and Condemnation

Press freedom organizations including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have condemned the threats and assault, calling it a serious violation of journalistic independence.

International rights groups have urged Bangladeshi authorities to promptly investigate the incidents, provide protection to The News staff, and reaffirm their commitment to freedom of the press.

The News has emerged as a leading platform documenting religious persecution and minority rights violations in South Asia. While praised for its evidence-based reporting, it has also faced backlash from extremist circles accusing it of harboring “anti-Islamic bias.”

As threats against journalists escalate, media professionals across the region fear a growing climate of intimidation and self-censorship, where speaking the truth can carry life-threatening consequences.

Source: Hindu Post