A press freedom group has called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to fulfill his promise to safeguard media freedom in the country. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concerns over the alleged partisan persecution of journalists in Bangladesh. The CPJ emphasized the need for the government to release imprisoned journalists, cease politically motivated cases, and ensure the safety of media professionals.
The CPJ highlighted instances where journalists perceived to support the previous administration faced detention or charges. The organization urged the Bangladeshi government to halt the use of the criminal justice system against media workers. It pointed out that the authorities often initiate investigations using First Information Reports, leading to difficulties in securing bail for journalists facing multiple cases.
Notable cases mentioned by the CPJ include journalists from Ekattor TV and Bhorer Kagoj who have been detained since August or September 2024. Despite some being granted bail in certain cases, they remain in detention due to other charges. The CPJ also noted that an Editors’ Council delegation presented a list of 282 journalists with politically motivated cases to the government on the 100th day of Rahman’s tenure.
The CPJ further called for an end to the use of the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against journalists. This tribunal, established to prosecute war crimes from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, is reportedly targeting journalists for their editorial work. The CPJ stressed the importance of upholding independent journalism as a constitutional right and ensuring accountability for those inciting violence against the press.
