Attorney General M. Asaduzzaman has called for a fundamental change in the state’s attitude toward the media, stressing that ending the harassment of journalists requires more than legal reform, it demands a transformation in mindset.
Speaking during a session on “Reporting on the Digital Security Act: Key Lessons for the Future of Media Freedom in Bangladesh,” he warned that simply repealing the controversial Digital Security Act (DSA) would not end systemic pressures on the press.
“The state has left many legal avenues open to control journalists. As many stars as there are in the sky, so many laws have been used to restrict and regulate media professionals,” he said at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025, a three-day conference organized by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS).
“To change this trend, the state’s mindset must change,” he emphasized. “Without that shift, replacing one law with another won’t make a real difference.”
Asaduzzaman also announced that recommendations for resolving ongoing cases filed under the DSA will be finalized and submitted by December 2025, offering a glimmer of hope for journalists facing prolonged legal battles.
He urged future leaders to recognize the vital role of journalism in democracy and to balance national interests with the protection of freedom of expression and citizens’ rights.
Barrister Sara Hossain, a leading human rights lawyer and panelist, stated firmly that “harassment of journalists is never acceptable.” She cautioned that despite growing calls for reform, media freedom remains constrained, with fear and self-censorship still widespread.
“The chilling effect of laws like the DSA continues to silence critical voices,” she said.
During the session, CGS, jointly with the Cluny Foundation for Justice, released a new report documenting the impact of the DSA on press freedom. It found that the law was frequently weaponized to intimidate journalists, with the highest number of cases registered in 2020 and 2021. Many of these cases remain unresolved, contributing to a climate of fear.
The report calls for urgent reforms, including stronger safeguards against misuse of cyber laws and greater accountability in enforcement.
