Prolonged Detention of Journalists Sparks Press Freedom Concerns in Bangladesh

Concerns over press freedom in Bangladesh have intensified as several journalists remain in prolonged detention following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024. Repeated court decisions denying bail have sparked debate among media professionals, rights groups and legal experts about the treatment of journalists and the state of media freedom in the country.

Lawyers representing the detained journalists claim that many of the cases filed against them are fabricated and politically motivated. According to them, in several instances journalists were included in police cases as “suspects” without specific allegations, raising questions about due process.

Media rights organisations have also expressed concern over the situation, describing many of the cases as harassment. They have called on the authorities to ensure that journalists can carry out their work freely and without intimidation.

Among those detained are journalist couple Shakil Ahmed, former head of news at Ekattor TV, and Farzana Rupa, a former chief reporter and news presenter of the same channel. The couple were detained at Dhaka airport on 21 August 2024 and later shown arrested in a murder case linked to the death of a private employee during the July uprising.

Initially placed on remand, they were later implicated in several additional cases, including murder and attempted murder. They were also accused in a complaint filed with the International Crimes Tribunal over allegations of incitement during a meeting with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Their lawyers say the couple have submitted more than 30 bail petitions, all of which have been rejected by the courts. The defence argues that there are no clear accusations against them in many of the cases.

The arrests are not limited to the couple. Several other journalists have also been detained in connection with incidents linked to the July uprising and other allegations.

Among them is Mozammel Haque Babu, editor-in-chief and managing director of Ekattor TV, who was arrested near the Mymensingh border area in September 2024 and later shown arrested in multiple cases filed in Dhaka.

On the same day, Shyamal Dutta, editor of the newspaper Bhorer Kagoj, was also detained and faces similar charges.

In another incident in August 2025, 16 individuals, including journalist Monjurul Alam Panna, were detained from an event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The High Court later granted Panna bail in November of the same year.

Prosecutors say the allegations against the journalists are serious and that bail is being denied to allow proper investigations. However, media organisations argue that prolonged detention without clear evidence threatens press freedom and discourages independent journalism.

The Editors’ Council has warned that the ongoing cases and detentions are disrupting journalists’ professional work and undermining the independence of the media. The organisation has repeatedly called on the authorities to withdraw what it describes as false and harassing cases against journalists.

Although authorities previously said the cases would be reviewed, media leaders say there has been little visible progress. They have urged the government to take steps to resolve the issue and ensure a safe environment for journalists to perform their duties.