Bangladesh Still ‘In Crisis’ for Freedom of Expression, Warns ARTICLE 19
Bangladesh remains in a state of crisis for freedom of expression, ARTICLE 19 has warned during the Item 4 General Debate at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Citing its Global Expression Report, the rights group stressed that as Bangladesh prepares for elections in February 2026, the interim government must urgently create an enabling environment for free expression and protect journalists and civil society.
The July 2024 uprising and the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina triggered political reforms, including the repeal of the controversial Cybersecurity Law. While this was seen as progress, ARTICLE 19 cautioned that several new draft laws risk severely undermining online freedoms by criminalising protected speech, enabling intrusive surveillance, and allowing overbroad content takedowns without transparency or due process.
Impunity for attacks on journalists remains a major concern. More than 13 years have passed since journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were murdered in their Dhaka apartment, yet no credible investigation has been completed despite repeated UN calls. In 2025 alone, journalists Asaduzzaman Tuhin and Khandaker Shah Alam were killed, further highlighting the ongoing dangers.
ARTICLE 19 also drew attention to the unique and intersectional threats faced by women journalists in Bangladesh, including workplace harassment, online rape threats, and physical violence.
The organisation called on the Bangladeshi government to reform draft legislation to align with international human rights standards and to ensure accountability for all attacks against journalists through impartial and independent investigations, with a gender-sensitive approach.
