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.
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.
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.
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.
Journalists Face Growing Risks in Bangladesh, Freedom of Expression Taskforce Warns
Freedom of expression in Bangladesh is facing growing challenges, particularly for media professionals, as journalists across the country continue to encounter harassment, violence, false cases, and censorship without adequate avenues for accountability or justice, speakers said at a discussion in Dhaka on Monday.
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.
Anti-Corruption Commission Takes Action Against Journalist Anis Alamgir
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to file a case against senior journalist Anis Alamgir for ‘illegal asset acquisition and money laundering’.
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.