189 Journalists Sacked in 18 Months, Top-Level Changes at 29 Media Outlets: TIB

Concerns over shrinking media freedom and growing threats to journalists were highlighted at the launch of a research report at Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) conference room in the capital on Monday (February 2). The report, titled “One and a Half Years After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Achievements,” presented an alarming picture of the country’s media landscape.

According to the report, although there has been no clear attempt by the government to exert direct control over the media, pressure is increasingly being applied through “mob violence” targeting media offices. Attacks and harassment against journalists, writers, and human rights activists have continued unabated.

TIB data show that six journalists were killed while performing their professional duties. Between August 2024 and December 2025, at least 497 incidents of harassment were recorded against media professionals, affecting around 1,104 journalists and media workers.

The report cited unprecedented mob attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, involving vandalism, looting, arson, and destruction of property. It noted that the government’s response to these incidents was largely inactive and ineffective.

It further stated that 204 journalists have been named as accused in various cases, including murder cases linked to the July mass uprising. At least 30 journalists have been arrested in these cases, with many denied bail. Among those who have faced arrest or continued detention are journalists Farzana Rupa, Shyamol Dutta, Mozammel Haque Babu, Shakil Ahmed, Shahriar Kabir, and Anis Alamgir.

On freedom of expression, TIB observed a growing trend of spreading rumors and false information on social media against political opponents and the government. The use of political “tagging,” as well as the misuse of media photo cards and logos to disseminate disinformation, has increased at an alarming rate.

The report also pointed out the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct negative campaigns against opponents, noting that no specific or effective measures have yet been taken to address this emerging threat.

Although Bangladesh improved by 16 places in the 2025 Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), TIB remarked that an environment conducive to independent media work has yet to be ensured.

The Media Reform Commission identified provisions in 13 different laws as obstacles to free journalism, but no meaningful initiatives have been taken to reform them. The draft Journalist Protection Act prepared by the commission was reportedly dropped without any clear explanation.

Additionally, the report noted that despite the formation of a committee by the Ministry of Information to ensure the autonomy of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, no tangible progress has been made toward implementation.