Bangladesh’s Awami League has expressed deep worry about the increasing number of criminal cases, arrests, intimidation, and physical assaults against journalists in the country following the political transition on August 5, 2024. The party highlighted reports from both domestic and international watchdogs, emphasizing the risk of eroding press freedom during this critical political period in Bangladesh. Journalists, who were actively covering protests and uncertainties during the political transition, have now become targets themselves, facing various forms of attacks and threats.
Citing a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), the Awami League revealed that from August 5, 2024, to November 1, 2025, over 1,000 journalists and media workers experienced attacks, threats, detention, legal actions, or harassment in 476 documented incidents. The party also referenced a recent public statement by Bangladesh’s Editors’ Council on February 25, urging the new government led by Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to withdraw what they termed as “false and harassing cases” against journalists filed since August 2024. These cases, according to the Editors’ Council, are significantly impeding journalists’ work and undermining the independence of the media.
Editors from various Bangladeshi media outlets have raised concerns about the challenging environment created by these incidents and legal actions, leading to increased self-censorship and caution among journalists. The heightened legal scrutiny has resulted in frequent court appearances, financial burdens from legal defense, and a sense of professional insecurity. Media analysts have warned that this situation could have long-term repercussions, not only impacting journalists but also restricting public access to unbiased information. As Bangladesh grapples with its post-transition political scenario, the Awami League believes that how these cases are handled will be a crucial test of democratic accountability and media freedom.
