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.”
Kamal Ahmed Says Media Reform Momentum Lost as Mob Violence Emerges as New Threat
Veteran journalist and media analyst Kamal Ahmed has said that while journalists in Bangladesh now enjoy greater freedom to criticise the government following the July 2024 uprising, the country’s media sector is facing a new and more unpredictable threat in the form of organised mob violence.
Media Leaders Call for Unity to Protect Independent Journalism in Bangladesh
Independent journalism is important for the welfare of the country. In fact, the government itself benefits from it, because independent media institutions are the only ones that can speak the truth to the government. No one is opposed to anyone; everyone supports truthful journalism.
Media Convention Starts in the Capital
A media convention has begun in the capital to protest attacks on freedom of expression and democratic values, and to express a united stance in favor of independent, responsible, and courageous journalism.
Attacks on the Media Reflect a Serious Failure of Law Enforcement Agencies
Experts believe that the increasing violence against media outlets and journalists reflects a serious failure of the country’s law enforcement agencies. They say that recent attacks on various media organizations show that law enforcement agencies have failed to take effective action, which is having a negative impact on independent journalism and the free flow of information.