Bangladesh media faced tense, risky situation in Jan-Feb: BNN Asia

Bangla Press Desk:  BNN Asia, an independent watchdog championing press freedom and journalist safety across Asia, has suggested that the situation for newspapers and journalists in Bangladesh was tense and risky during January-February this year.

“In January and February 2026, the situation for newspapers and journalists in Bangladesh was tense and risky,” the US-based organisation said in its latest report reviewing the conditions of reporters and news outlets in different Asian countries.BNN Asia works with local reporters to highlight threats, document abuses, provide urgent support to journalists in danger and build cross-border alliances among media professionals.

The report reviewed the situation of journalists and newspapers in 20 Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Taiwan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sri Lanka, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Nepal, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, China, North Korea and Cambodia.

About Bangladesh situation, the report said, “Concerns over press freedom increased significantly, particularly in the period leading up to the national elections held on 12 February. During that time, journalists faced physical attacks, legal harassment, and different forms of pressure”.

BNN Asia referred to an incident in Narsingdi on 27 January, when at least 10 journalists were injured during clashes while covering an event related to the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB).

“The incident highlighted the professional risks faced by journalists. Human rights groups described the attack as mob violence and pointed to the lack of adequate protection from authorities,” the report said.

It also noted that in February reports emerged of retaliatory violence linked to election coverage. In several cases, journalists faced mob attacks and digital harassment, some of which were connected to political campaign activities.

“Many journalists remained detained on charges that media organisations described as ‘false and harassing’. These included murder cases linked to incidents from August 2024,” the report said.

The organisation also mentioned the Editors’ Council’s call in late February to the newly elected government to withdraw the cases, saying they obstruct journalists’ professional duties and undermine media independence.

“At least 30 journalists were arrested, and many were repeatedly denied bail, resulting in prolonged detention,” the report said, adding that human rights organisations warned the situation sent a “chilling message” to the press community.

In early February, a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) revealed that 189 journalists had lost their jobs over the previous 18 months, while top-level changes took place in 29 media outlets. Financial vulnerability and political pressure were identified as major factors behind the developments, increasing job insecurity among journalists.

Allegations also emerged that senior figures of the ruling party were involved in the process. Changes in media ownership and participation reportedly expanded the influence of informal power groups within the media sector.

International watchdog ARTICLE 19 criticised the interim government’s draft ordinances for a National Media Commission and a Broadcasting Commission. Released in early February, the drafts allowed only three days for public feedback, which many observers considered rushed and flawed.

Critics also said the proposals excluded freelance journalists from protection and could pose potential threats to freedom of expression.

BNN Asia said the situation for press freedom in Bangladesh remained fragile during January–February. Although both the interim government and the government formed after the election promised to ensure media protection, newspapers and journalists continued to face persistent threats, economic insecurity and a climate of fear, it added.Source: daily Sun

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