Federal Court Orders Reopening of Voice of America
A federal court in the United States has ordered the reopening of the international broadcaster “Voice of America” (VOA), which had been shut down by the administration of former President Donald Trump. The court ruled that the way the outlet was closed was unlawful. It also ordered that journalists who lost their jobs be reinstated. This was reported by BBC Online.
BNN Asia Report Says Bangladesh Media Faced Risky Conditions in Jan–Feb
BNN Asia, an independent watchdog that advocates for press freedom and the safety of journalists across Asia, has reported that the environment for newspapers and journalists in Bangladesh remained tense and risky during January and February 2026.
Demand for Withdrawal of ‘False and Harassing’ Cases Against Journalists
The Editors' Council has demanded the swift withdrawal of false and harassing cases filed against journalists since 5 August 2024. The call was made in a statement signed on Wednesday by Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
Editors’ Council Expresses Alarm Over Army’s Entry Into Media Office
The Editors’ Council has voiced serious concern over recent incidents of intimidation and harassment targeting journalists and media organisations, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to press freedom and the democratic process ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Bangladesh’s Rush to Form Media Commissions Endangers Press Freedom
ARTICLE 19 has expressed serious concern over the interim government of Bangladesh’s sudden release of draft ordinances aimed at establishing a National Media Commission and a Broadcasting Commission, allowing only three days for public feedback. The organisation warned that the rushed move, taken at the final stage of the interim government’s tenure, lacks transparency and due process and poses a threat to freedom of expression in the country.
189 Journalists Sacked in 18 Months, Top-Level Changes at 29 Media Outlets: TIB
Concerns over shrinking media freedom and growing threats to journalists were highlighted at the launch of a research report at Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) conference room in the capital on Monday (February 2). The report, titled “One and a Half Years After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Achievements,” presented an alarming picture of the country’s media landscape.
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.
Media Commission Ordinance Is Interim Government’s “Parting Mockery,” Says TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has described the draft ordinances for the “National Media Commission” and the “Broadcast Commission” as a “parting mockery” by the interim government of public expectations for the development of a free media environment in the country.
Journalist Anis Alamgir Shown Arrested in ACC Case Over Illegal Assets
The court has approved an application to show journalist Anis Alamgir arrested in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on charges of acquiring illegal assets. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md. Sabbir Fayez passed the order on Wednesday (January 28).
Unanswered Appeal From Press Secretary Points to State Allowing Media Attacks, Nurul Kabir Claims
Nurul Kabir, president of the Editors’ Council and editor of New Age, has described the recent attacks on the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo as “planned and organized violence.”