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Bangladesh, a country with a rich history of political turmoil and social challenges, has seen a significant shift in it’s on the ground political landscape in recent years. The fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s media environment. While the political change raised hopes of reforms in various sectors, including media freedom, the reality on the ground is far more complex. The period following August 2024 has seen heightened attacks on journalists, continued political interference in the media, and the persistence of legal frameworks that continue to stifle press freedom. This article will delve into the state of freedom of speech and press freedom in Bangladesh after August 2024, highlighting key events, legal developments and the actions of political groups, including the National Citizen Party (NCP) and other entities in creating a hostile environment for journalists and media houses.
Legal Framework: Cyber Security Laws and Press Freedom:
Before August 2024, Bangladesh’s media freedom was severely constrained by stringent laws such as the Digital Security Act (DSA) and the Cyber Security Act (CSA). These laws were widely criticized for being tools of government oppression, used to suppress dissent and curtail freedom of expression. Journalists found themselves at the mercy of a regime that increasingly used legal mechanisms to target them. Arrests, harassment and the threat of legal action became common for journalists reporting on sensitive political issues, particularly those critical of the government.
The Digital Security Act (DSA) enacted in 2018, became a particularly contentious piece of legislation. While it was introduced under the guise of combating cybercrime and protecting national security, its broad and ambiguous provisions allowed the government to target critics, opposition voices and journalists. Under the DSA the government had the power to arrest individuals without warrant, seize electronic devices and violate the confidentiality of journalistic sources. The law was vague about what constituted ‘offensive’ or ‘false’ content, leading to frequent abuse and arbitrary detentions.
After the political upheaval in August 2024, the Interim Government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, pledged to amend or revoke such laws to promote media freedom. However, the Cyber Security Law (2025) that replaced the DSA still retained many of the provisions from its predecessor. The law allows for the surveillance of online content, punishment for publishing ‘sensitive’ or ‘inflammatory’ material and continues to impose heavy restrictions on the media. Journalists remain fearful of government retaliation, and many continue to face legal actions under these laws for publishing content that criticizes the ruling elite.
Political Influence: Mob Attacks on Journalists and Media Houses:
One of the most alarming developments post-August 2024 has been the increasing political interference in the media. As political groups like the National Citizen Party (NCP) assert their influence, the media has found itself under siege from both political and non-state actors. Notably, after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the NCP along with other political entities, sought to control the media narrative by organizing mob attacks on media houses and intimidating journalists. This has made it extremely for independent journalism to thrive.
In one of the most alarming incidents, NCP leaders orchestrated a mob attack on the Somoy TV office in December 2024, claiming that the news channel was biased in favour of the previous government. This attack was a direct attempt to intimidate media houses that were perceived as being critical of political forces. The students who participated in the mob were reportedly incited by political leaders to silence dissenting voices in the media.
Following this attack, several journalists at Somoy TV were sacked, a move that further undermined press freedom in the country. This incident underscores the growing political control over the media in Bangladesh, where the free flow of information is being obstructed by organized mobs and powerful political factions. Journalists now face both physical and professional threats from political groups that are determined to control the media narrative.
The act of organizing mobs to target journalists and media houses is a direct attack on the very fabric of democratic governance. It sends a clear message to the media community that dissent will not be tolerated and that those who challenge the status quo will face dire consequences.
Self-censorship and Journalists’ Fear of Retaliation:
Self-censorship has become one of the most pervasive issues in media landscape of Bangladesh. As the government and political parties continue to exert pressure on media outlets, journalists have become increasingly wary of publishing content that could be perceived as critical of the political elite. The fear of retaliation-whether in the form of legal action, harassment or violence-has led many journalists to avoid covering sensitive topics, particularly those related to corruption, political dissent or human rights abuses.
The fear of retaliation has stifled investigative journalism, which is a crucial pillar of a functioning democracy. Journalists who wish to pursue stories of national importance are now constantly weighing the potential risks against the benefits of exposing the truth. The climate of fear undermines the very essence of free press, as media outlets increasingly shy away from reporting on issues that may challenge the government or the political elites.
In many cases journalists are forced to rely on government-approved narratives and avoid covering stories that may expose the wrongdoings of those in power. This has led to a situation where much of the media landscape in Bangladesh is dominated by government-controlled narratives, and independent reporting has become increasingly rare.
Attacks on Journalists: Violence, Harassment and Professional Consequences:
The violence against journalists in Bangladesh has escalated with physical attacks and harassment becoming routine for those who report on sensitive political issues. Between August 2024 and March 2025, over 640 journalists were reportedly attacked, harassed or detained. The fact that journalists are being targeted by both the state and non-state actors reflects the high level of hostility toward free press in Bangladesh.
Notably, in the aftermath of the NCP-led mob attacks, journalists in Bangladesh face constant threats of legal action, harassment, physical violence and professional marginalization. These attacks are not limited to political party supporters but also come from powerful business conglomerates and government agencies. The growing number of assaults on journalists and the lack of legal accountability for perpetrators is a testament to the government’s failure to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of media personnel.
The Struggle for Reform: International Pressure and Civil Society:
International Human Rights Organizations, such as Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have long criticized Bangladesh’s media environment. However, their calls for reform have had little impact on the government’s stance towards media reform. Despite some promises of reform under the interim government, the situation on the ground remains largely unchanged.
The role of civil society advocating for press freedom cannot be overstated. Independent media organizations and human rights groups continue to push for legislative reforms that would guarantee greater protection for journalists. While international pressure has been important in raising awareness of Bangladesh’s media repression, the government has largely ignored calls for greater media freedom. The lack of effective action in response to global criticism highlights the limited influence of international actors in effecting real change on the ground.
Author: Alok Saha, Entrepreneur
NB: The opinion of the columnist is solely his own.
