Study flags mounting safety risks for journalists, rights activists

Bangla Press Desk:  A study has found that legal challenges, digital threats, physical intimidation, economic insecurity and social pressure often intersect, creating multiple and reinforcing protection risks for journalists and human rights defenders in Bangladesh.

The study, titled "Mapping of Support Services and Proposing a Referral Pathway for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh," found that at least 496 journalists reportedly faced harassment through physical attacks, legal threats or dismissals between August 2024 and July 2025.

Women journalists face additional risks, with 71 per cent reporting workplace sexual harassment.

The findings were presented at a national seminar organised by Plan International in collaboration with Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) at a hotel in the capital on Monday.

Conducted under the European Union-funded 'Swadhinata' project, the study also proposes three referral mechanisms to ensure journalists and human rights defenders can receive timely and appropriate support.

According to the study, a range of services, including legal and psychosocial support, emergency response and digital security assistance, are available in Bangladesh. However, service providers often operate separately, while access to specialised support remains uneven across the country, particularly in districts, upazilas and remote areas.

The study covered all eight administrative divisions and was based on 16 focus group and small-group discussions, 20 key informant interviews, eight divisional stakeholder consultation workshops and one national-level validation workshop.

It proposes three referral models: a central national referral hub; a decentralised, community-based referral network; and a multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism at the district or divisional level.

Discussants at the seminar recommended clearly defining institutional responsibilities and establishing long-term coordination to ensure the referral mechanism remains sustainable beyond the project period.

Speaking as the chief guest, Prime Minister's Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon said a progressive society cannot be built without protecting fundamental rights and freedoms. He called for stronger collaboration among the government, civil society and development partners to this end.