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Why fear is still stalking our journalists  

Published : Thursday, 20 February, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 320
Arnab Ashraf
Bangladesh has long been a nation where the press, despite its essential role in shaping democracy, has faced immense challenges. Journalists in the country have regularly been subjected to physical violence, threats, and, tragically, even death. This troubling trend apparently began in 1991 and continued under various political leaderships. Even under the current interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, journalists are not safe.

Our journalists have fallen victim to various types of attacks with perpetrators getting off scot-free. Both the Awami League and the BNP have been complicit, either directly or indirectly, in perpetuating the culture of impunity. Although both Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League, and Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP, made promises to bring those responsible for killing and attacking journalists to justice, they have woefully fallen short of their pledges.

Rather than prioritising the safety of journalists, both Hasina and Khaleda allowed an environment where political pressure on the media became fairly common. One significant consequence of this was the promotion of yellow journalism, which has flourished in Bangladesh over the years. The rise of sensationalist reporting, often fuelled by misinformation and disinformation, has significantly weakened the integrity of the press. This was made possible by a gradual process in which underqualified individuals, with little or no formal journalistic training, were elevated to key positions in the media. By empowering half-educated people to take on influential roles, both political parties unwittingly contributed to the decline in the professionalism of journalists, further eroding public trust in the media.

Yellow journalism, characterised by its sensationalism, misrepresentation of facts, and often politically motivated agendas, was particularly dangerous for press freedom. Rather than serving the public interest, much of the media in Bangladesh became a tool for political manipulation. This has not only degraded the quality of information reaching the public but has also made journalists more vulnerable to pressure, threats, and violence from political forces. With politicians and powerful figures seeking to control the narrative, many journalists faced the choice of self-censorship or risking their safety.

When the interim government was formed on August 8, 2024, there was an initial sense of optimism. Dr Yunus, widely regarded for his contributions to poverty alleviation and social change, was expected to usher in a new era of governance in Bangladesh. But, this sense of hope was soon evaporated as reports of violence against journalists continued to emerge. Several media workers have been killed and many more were jailed. But those responsible for these crimes have yet to be brought to justice. It has become increasingly clear that, despite Yunus's global reputation for championing human rights, the promises of a free and safe press remain largely unfulfilled.


The continued attacks on journalists, despite the change in leadership, raise critical questions about the true state of press freedom in Bangladesh. Investigative journalists, who often expose corruption, human rights abuses, or government mismanagement, remain prime targets. The threats they face are not limited to physical violence; many journalists are also subject to legal harassment, intimidation, and forced exile. Tragically, in many cases, the authorities fail to take meaningful action, allowing the perpetrators to go unpunished. This impunity sends a dangerous message: the press is not free, and journalists can be silenced with relative ease.

In this backdrop, Bangladesh must look to models from abroad for inspiration. Sweden, for example, has long recognised the importance of a free press, particularly through its implementation of the op-ed system in 1973. This system allowed all classes of people to express their opinions publicly, contributing to a vibrant, pluralistic media environment that encourages democratic debate. The openness of Sweden's press system contrasts sharply with Bangladesh, where many voices remain stifled by threats, censorship, and violence.

While many nations have embraced the idea that a free press is essential for democracy, Bangladesh seems to be moving in the opposite direction. In fact, the role of the press in Bangladesh is at risk not only because of violent attacks against journalists but also because of the political interference that has degraded the quality of reporting. When journalists are subjected to constant harassment, it is not only their safety that is threatened; the very foundation of democracy is undermined.

Prominent journalists like Mahfuz Anam have long argued that journalists themselves must take responsibility for safeguarding the integrity of the profession. International media advocacy bodies should raise their voices to ensure that journalists in Bangladesh are protected and allowed to carry out their duties without fear.

The failure to protect journalists in Bangladesh has profound implications, not just for the safety of individuals but for the health of the entire democratic system. A free press is vital for holding governments to account and for ensuring that citizens can access truthful, independent information. Without press freedom, democracy itself is at risk.

If Bangladesh is inclined to move forward as a true democracy, it must protect its journalists and uphold the rights of the press. It is time for the country to take bold actions and address the critical issue of press freedom in the greater interest of promoting democracy.

The writer is a journalist in The Daily Observer



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