A human rights organization has expressed deep concern over the ongoing intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention, and unjust imprisonment of journalists in Bangladesh. Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) highlighted the shrinking space for independent journalism in the country. The organization pointed out the misuse of legislative instruments to suppress dissent and instill fear among media practitioners.
The JMBF raised alarm over the prolonged detention and persecution of journalists and human rights defenders like Farzana Rupa, Sakil Ahmed, Shahriar Kabir, Mozammel Hoque Babu, and Shamal Datto. These individuals were reportedly arrested in 2024 without due process and faced questionable charges during the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Concerns were also raised about politically motivated prosecutions under the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government.
The organization emphasized that journalists in Bangladesh are increasingly facing arbitrary arrests, digital surveillance, strategic lawsuits, legal harassment, and even physical violence. This hostile environment leads to self-censorship and undermines the public’s right to accurate information. The criminalization of journalism is seen as a direct threat to democratic governance and the rule of law, according to Charlotte Jacquemart, Advisor to JMBF.
The JMBF called on the international community to monitor the situation in Bangladesh closely and hold authorities accountable for violations against journalists and media institutions. It urged governments, intergovernmental bodies, human rights organizations, and press freedom advocates to take action against the persecution of journalists in the country.
