CPJ lists 10 steps to strengthen press freedom in Bangladesh

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has laid out 10 critical steps for Bangladesh to restore press freedom, urging the government to cease using criminal prosecutions against journalists and to reform restrictive laws. The organization also demands accountability for attacks targeting the media.

In a report released Tuesday, CPJ highlighted that numerous journalists perceived as aligned with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have faced detention or charges since her removal from power in August 2024. Authorities have allegedly used First Information Reports (FIRs) that name hundreds of individuals, including unnamed persons, to implicate journalists. CPJ specifically mentioned the continued detention of Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, and Mozammel Babu of Ekattor TV, along with Shyamal Dutta of Bhorer Kagoj, who have been in custody since August or September 2024. Although Rupa and Ahmed received bail in most cases on May 11, they remain detained on other charges.

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The organisation alleged that authorities have frequently used First Information Reports (FIRs) naming hundreds of people or unidentified individuals, which are later used to implicate journalists.

CPJ insists the government must review all cases against journalists according to international human rights standards. This includes preventing prosecutors from opposing bail for work-related charges, ending "case-stacking" and mass FIRs, and ensuring journalists are not prosecuted based on their perceived political leanings. The watchdog also expressed concern over the use of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against journalists, noting at least 25 are under ICT investigation for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity related to their reporting during the Hasina administration.

The report cites Rupa and Babu's case, where they were summoned by the tribunal over allegations that their reporting on a May 2013 crackdown contributed to crimes against humanity. CPJ argued that international legal standards for media liability focus on direct incitement to violence, not editorial decisions, and called for the ICT not to be used to penalize journalistic work. Furthermore, CPJ demanded accountability for crimes against journalists under both past and present governments, emphasizing that justice should be impartial. The organization also urged protection for journalists and media outlets from mob violence, referencing attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices during December 2025 unrest, which forced temporary suspensions of publication. At least 10 incidents of violence and harassment against journalists covering political events in 2025 were documented, with most allegedly involving members or affiliates of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

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CPJ argued that international legal precedents involving media liability focused on direct incitement to violence rather than editorial decisions and called on authorities to ensure that the ICT is not used to penalise journalistic work.