35 Journalists Killed in Bangladesh Over 33 Years Amid Rising Media Repression

The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day was “Journalism in a Brave New World: Media Freedom and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence.” However, the reality paints a starkly different picture. The persecution and oppression of journalists, a practice dating back to ancient times, continues unabated. Journalists face constant threats while gathering or investigating news. Incidents of strategic harassment and, in some cases, targeted killings persist.

According to an international report, 35 journalists have been killed in Bangladesh over the past 33 years, from 1992 to the present.

Data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) indicates that from January to June this year, 196 journalists were subjected to harassment. Experts assert that a culture of impunity is fueling attacks on journalists.

The persecution or killing of journalists is not a new phenomenon globally. Journalists are the architects of objective and accurate news reporting. By exposing injustices and presenting factual information through the media, they influence public opinion. This fosters public resistance against injustice, exploitation, and oppression, with principled journalists serving as a force for humanity. They highlight societal decay and state-sponsored oppression accurately. As a result, journalists become targets of persecution, harassment, and even murder. This oppression affects not only their personal lives but also places their families and social lives at risk. Many face life-threatening situations, and their families encounter crises. By standing for the truth, journalists remain under constant state surveillance and hostility. For the same reason, criminal networks and sometimes state entities sponsor journalist persecution. Consequently, journalists become prime targets for terrorists and criminals.

Dr. Tauhidul Haque, an Assistant Professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research and a researcher on society and crime, believes that the culture of impunity exacerbates this situation. He stated that attacks on journalists are frequent, often involving influential figures, which results in these incidents rarely seeing justice. Proper trials for each incident could significantly reduce such undesirable events. However, the most critical task is changing societal attitudes. Suppressing the truth through attacks on journalists is futile. The media is a mirror of society, and instead of attacking its workers, influential figures should reform themselves to benefit society.

According to ASK, in the first six months of this year, 196 journalists faced harassment, including 66 assaulted while performing professional duties, 44 facing lawsuits over published news, 31 attacked by mobs or militants, 17 targeted by BNP and its affiliates, 13 during protests or programs, and 8 receiving death threats.

Conversations with several media professionals revealed that when news is published against individuals or entities involved in illegal activities, they become enraged, leading to attacks, assaults, and even murders of journalists. Journalism is becoming increasingly perilous. The government, law enforcement, and journalist organizations must step forward to ensure journalists’ rights and safety. The government should introduce insurance schemes for journalists, as seen in developed countries, where those facing attacks or injuries receive compensation, and perpetrators are held accountable for damages.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)’s latest report highlights a grim picture of media and information freedom. Over the past year (August 2024 to July 2025), 496 journalists faced harassment, with 266 named as defendants in murder cases related to the July uprising. Three journalists were killed while on duty, at least 24 media workers were sacked, eight newspaper editors were dismissed, and 11 private television channel news heads were removed.

Recently, the Newspapers Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) expressed deep concern over media freedom and journalist safety, particularly regarding undesirable incidents surrounding the Daily Janakantha. In a statement signed by NOAB President AK Azad on Thursday, this concern was articulated. The statement noted that the nation united with the expectation of establishing a free, impartial, and democratic society through the mass uprising. It was firmly believed that fundamental rights like information dissemination, freedom of expression, and media independence would be ensured. Unfortunately, these expectations have not been met over the past year. Alarmingly, attempts were made to evict entrepreneurs and press demands by creating a “mob” at the Daily Janakantha office and portal. If there are issues regarding workers’ dues, they should be resolved through labor courts. Disputes over news or content should be addressed by filing complaints with the Bangladesh Press Council. Instead, an unpleasant situation was created at the newspaper’s office and portal.

Ali Riaz, Chairman of the National Consensus Commission of the interim government, acknowledged at an event on August 6 at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital, “The mob has emerged as a major threat to journalism, and this must be taken into account. Beyond the government, media owners, and editors, a social force has been created that is attempting to control journalism in various ways. This needs to be addressed by all stakeholders.”

At the same event, prominent journalist Matiur Rahman Chowdhury remarked, “A large number of journalists are on the run. Many have fled the country, and cases are pending against others. Over the past 54 years, the landscape of independent journalism has not changed.” He questioned the role of journalists’ unions, asking, “What is the purpose of journalists’ unions? Just slogans? If journalists were not divided, this situation would not have arisen.” He added, “Due to the previous government tying our hands, we had to protest. Responsibility cannot be enforced through laws. Ending the National Consensus Commission meeting with a note of dissent was not the right move.”

Abu Saleh Akon, President of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), stated that journalists’ writings bring out the truth, making them viewed favorably by some and as enemies by others. Apart from truth-seekers, journalists have no friends. Corrupt individuals, terrorists, and extortionists are their adversaries. “We fought for freedom of expression for a long time. We thought we could work safely after the fascist government’s fall, but that hasn’t happened. Harassment, oppression, and killings continue as before. The way out is united protest and forcing the government to ensure justice.”

He added that journalist murder trials often remain unresolved for years. The Sagar-Runi murder case is a prime example. Those who once profited by demanding justice for this case are now silent.