383 Journalists Harassed or Attacked in First Half of 2026, Says HRSS Report

A total of 383 journalists across Bangladesh faced harassment, intimidation, or violence in 200 separate incidents during the first six months of 2026, according to a half-yearly human rights report released by Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

The report, which reviewed the country's human rights situation between January and June, found that 234 journalists were injured, 60 were subjected to various forms of harassment, 49 received threats, and 11 were detained. The figures represent a notable increase from the same period last year, when 257 journalists were affected in 152 incidents and 111 were injured.

HRSS expressed concern over what it described as growing challenges to freedom of expression and civic participation. According to the report, at least 40 public meetings, rallies, and demonstrations encountered direct or indirect restrictions during the reporting period. As a result, 311 people were injured and 38 were detained. Those affected included political activists, students, workers, and members of the public.

The organisation also documented legal actions taken under the Cyber Security Ordinance. During the six-month period, 30 separate cases were filed, naming 81 individuals as accused, while 44 people were arrested. The report further noted that 33 journalists were implicated in 15 separate cases.

According to HRSS, a number of individuals faced detention, legal proceedings, or other actions over comments and content shared on social media relating to political, religious, and social issues. Several incidents of violence and litigation were also linked to online expression during the period under review.

The findings were compiled from reports published in 16 national media outlets, information gathered by HRSS, and findings from its own fact-finding missions.

Custodial Deaths Remain a Concern
The report also highlighted concerns over deaths linked to law enforcement custody, alleged torture, shootings, and so-called gunfight incidents.

Between January and June 2026, HRSS recorded 11 such deaths. Among them, five individuals reportedly died in custody or due to torture, two were killed in shootings, and three died in alleged gunfight incidents. The report also documented the deaths of five individuals who reportedly died while attempting to evade arrest during law enforcement operations.

Prison deaths also remained a matter of concern. According to the report, at least 58 inmates died in prisons across the country during the first half of the year. Of them, 26 were convicted prisoners and 32 were under trial. During the same period in 2025, the number of prison deaths stood at 40.

HRSS further referred to an alleged disappearance in Mongla, Bagerhat. The organisation said a young man was reportedly taken away in April by individuals identifying themselves as members of a law enforcement agency. Despite a general diary and written complaints filed by his family, his whereabouts had not been determined as of the publication of the publication of the report.