UN expert warns of threat to democracy as Bangladeshi media face attacks ahead of polls

A United Nations (UN) expert has expressed strong alarm over recent violent attacks on leading media outlets and cultural institutions in Bangladesh, warning that the mobilisation of public anger against journalists and artists poses a serious risk to democracy, particularly as the country moves toward elections.

Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, said in a statement released on Tuesday that such violence could create a chilling effect on media freedom, minority voices and dissenting opinions, with long-term consequences for democratic governance.

The statement said attacks on the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, vandalism at the Chhayanaut cultural centre, and an assault on the editor of New Age took place amid nationwide protests following the death of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of the July 2024 uprising, who succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted in a daylight attack.

Khan condemned both the killing of Hadi and the wave of what she described as orchestrated mob violence that followed the announcement of his death. She said the incidents reflected a broader failure to confront impunity and to protect freedom of expression and artistic freedom.

According to the UN expert, media freedom in Bangladesh has faced mounting pressure over the past year from both state and non-state actors, online and offline. Since August 5, 2024, hundreds of journalists have reportedly been arrested on what she described as politically motivated and questionable charges, with many held for extended periods. Several journalists have also been killed during this period, including one case reported last week.

Khan said repeated threats, hate speech and smear campaigns targeting journalists, editors, artists, commentators and civil society groups have created a climate in which violence becomes increasingly likely when authorities and digital platforms fail to take corrective action.

She urged the government to carry out prompt, impartial and transparent investigations into the killing of Hadi and the attacks on media and cultural institutions, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable through due process. The Special Rapporteur also called for immediate steps to strengthen protection and prevention measures for journalists and civil society actors ahead of the elections.

Emphasising the link between free expression and credible elections, Khan said the interim government must guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly if it is to deliver safe and fair polls. She added that journalists, human rights defenders, civil society leaders, political candidates, women and minority communities must be able to exercise their fundamental rights without fear of retaliation.

The UN expert said she remains in contact with the Bangladeshi government regarding the situation.