Study finds journalists expect rising threats ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections
Journalists across Bangladesh fear heightened physical and digital threats ahead of the national election scheduled for February 2026, according to a new study by Digitally Right.
279 government-critical content requests to Google in six months
The world’s leading information technology company Google (Alphabet) has recently released its transparency report for January to June 2025. According to that report, during these six months the interim government made a total of 279 requests to Google for content removal, most of which were for removing content critical of the government.
Human Rights Fears Grow in Bangladesh After Sheikh Hasina’s Fall
Bangladesh has faced intense political unrest since the ouster of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, following a massive student-led movement against her increasingly authoritarian rule.
Press Freedom Violations Continue in Bangladesh Despite Creation of Monitoring Panel
Just days after the government formed a special panel to review complaints of harassment against journalists, Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry revoked the press accreditation of 59 journalists believed to support the ousted administration. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urged the interim government not to use press accreditation as a tool of punishment, to stop politically motivated actions against journalists, and to focus on genuine reforms that promote press freedom.
Government Moves to Control All Internet Services Under New Telecommunication Law
Not only telephone or mobile operators, but from now on all internet‐based services will come under government control. International platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp or Netflix will also need government approval if they wish to provide services in Bangladesh. With certain conditions, interception will be possible. With such provisions, the government has initiated an amendment to the 2001 Telecommunication Act.
Experts Call for Constitutional Reforms to Strengthen Rights and Equality
At a discussion marking the 53rd anniversary of the Constitution of Bangladesh, legal experts and rights advocates underscored the urgent need for constitutional reforms to make fundamental rights more effective through progressive interpretation and implementation.
Press Freedom Under Threat: BJIM Decries Violence Against Journalists
Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) has expressed serious concern over a series of violent assaults and threats targeting journalists across various districts in Bangladesh. According to a statement issued yesterday, the attacks allegedly involve local miscreants, charity owners, and even members of law enforcement agencies.
HRW Slams Bangladesh Interim Govt Over Abuse of Counterterrorism Law
Human Rights Watch has accused Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, of increasingly misusing recently amended counterterrorism legislation to target alleged supporters of the deposed Awami League. HRW calls on the United Nations human rights team in Bangladesh to demand the immediate release of those detained arbitrarily and to push the government to uphold rights and prosecute real perpetrators of political violence.
Crisis Point for Media Freedom in Bangladesh
The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has sounded the alarm over a “crisis point” for press freedom in Bangladesh, citing mass arrests, fabricated charges, and harassment of journalists under the interim administration of Mohammad Yunus.
Can Afghan Women Ever Dance Among the Red Tulips?
Despite passage of ten centuries since the assassination of Rabia, writing poems has again been banned in Afghanistan since the Taliban gained control of the land in August 2021. Poems? Women cannot now even walk without being accompanied by a mahram or a male member of her family. Writing poems by women is considered as something to be ashamed of and it may result in public beating or even to death.