Case Filed Against Four Journalists, Including Editor, Over Alleged Defamation of State Minister
A case has been filed against four individuals, including the editor of Agrojatra Protidin, on allegations of publishing and disseminating false, misleading, and defamatory information against State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam.
Bangladesh Drops Three Spots in 2026 Press Freedom Rankings
Bangladesh has dropped three places in the Media Freedom Index this year. Out of 180 countries, Bangladesh now ranks 152nd, down from 149th last year.
Arrest of A K M Jamal Uddin Sparks Debate Over Freedom of Expression in Bangladesh
The arrest of A K M Jamal Uddin while he was participating in a peaceful program at Gulistan Zero Point in Dhaka has raised new questions about freedom of expression and the right to hold political programs in a democratic country.
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.
From Anis Alamgir to Farzana Rupa: Growing Alarm Over Journalist Arrests
Journalist Anis Alamgir was taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) for questioning, and within hours a case was filed against him by an individual, accusing him of “conspiring to destabilize the state.”
TIB Expresses Concern Over the Abduction of Bangladesh Times Journalists
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed condemnation and concern over the incident of journalists of the media outlet “Bangladesh Times” being picked up. This condemnation was expressed at a press conference titled “Pre-Election Observation: The Role of the Election Commission” on Sunday (8 February) morning.
Journalist Harassment in Bangladesh Far Higher Than TIB Reports
Over 1,000 journalists in Bangladesh have faced job loss, arrests, and attacks, far exceeding TIB’s reported 189 dismissals. Prominent reporters like Farzana Rupa, Shyamol Dutta, Mozammel Haque Babu, Shakil Ahmed, Shahriar Kabir, and Anis Alamgir have been detained, while mobs have seized media offices and unions, raising serious concerns over press freedom.
Media and Broadcasting Commission Ordinances Termed ‘Unreasonable’ by Editors’ Council
The Editors’ Council has described the hurried publication of draft ordinances for the “National Media Commission” and the “Broadcasting Commission” just ahead of the election as undesirable and unreasonable. The organization of newspaper editors believes that making final decisions on laws with such far-reaching consequences without adequate consultation with stakeholders poses a risk to media freedom.
Journalism in Bangladesh Is Going Through an All-Pervasive Climate of Fear: Mahfuz Anam to Al Jazeera
The Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, Mahfuz Anam, has said that journalism in Bangladesh is going through a kind of all-pervasive fear—where even the slightest deviation from a mindset imposed by certain groups carries the risk of being attacked.
Interim Government Set to Introduce Another Black Law
A new “Broadcasting Ordinance, 2026” is being fast-tracked during the tenure of the interim government. According to the draft law prepared by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, trials for broadcasting-related offences must be completed within just 90 working days, and for this purpose, one or more “Broadcasting Tribunals” will be established.