CPJ Letter Urges Muhammad Yunus to Secure Release of Imprisoned Journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, to take steps to secure the release of imprisoned journalists in the country. The nonprofit international organization working to protect journalists’ rights made the appeal in a letter addressed to Muhammad Yunus. The letter has been published on the CPJ website.

Ahead of International Human Rights Day on December 10, CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Director Beh Lih Yi wrote the letter to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

The letter states that, according to information available to CPJ, four journalists in Bangladesh are currently imprisoned on murder charges. There is a lack of credible evidence supporting the allegations brought against them. It appears that these cases were filed vindictively due to their reporting and possible political affiliations.

The four journalists named in the CPJ letter are Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu and Shyamal Dutta. It states that their bail petitions have repeatedly been rejected.

The letter further states that descriptions given by the journalists’ family members about conditions in Kashimpur prison have raised serious concerns about detainees’ human rights. They (the imprisoned journalists) are held in extremely small cells measuring 36 square feet (3.34 square meters). Instead of doors, the cells are enclosed with metal bars. As a result, they must endure cold weather conditions, along with mosquito infestations. They sleep on concrete floors with no mattress. The food supplied by the prison is insufficient and often not edible.

Expressing concern over inadequate medical care in prison, the letter states that there is no permanent physician, no system for regular check-ups, and prisoners do not receive medicine unless provided by family members. Those suffering from serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea have reportedly not received any treatment for several months.

The letter refers to an interview Muhammad Yunus gave to The Daily Star in November 2024. It states that, in that interview, the Chief Adviser acknowledged that frivolous murder cases had been filed against journalists in Bangladesh and that his government had taken steps to stop such practices. A committee had also been formed to review the cases. However, it notes that after he assumed office last year, murder cases were filed against these four journalists.

Citing Article 39 of the Constitution of Bangladesh and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protect freedom of expression, the CPJ letter states that the judiciary has repeatedly recognized the vital role of independent journalism in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring accountability. CPJ urges the Bangladesh authorities to uphold their domestic and international human-rights obligations.

Addressing Muhammad Yunus, the letter states: “We urge you, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, to take steps that will allow all imprisoned journalists in Bangladesh to return to their families and resume their work.”

CPJ believes that ensuring meaningful reforms requires a complete break from past practices. Repressive actions of the past must not be repeated.

The letter also states that, as Bangladesh prepares for elections in February, it is essential for all political parties to respect journalists’ rights to gather news freely.