The Rapid Response Taskforce (RRT) expresses deep concern over the escalating violations of press and artistic freedom, alongside increasing restrictions on civic and cultural spaces in Bangladesh, both online and offline. Between October 2024 and February 2025, 52 documented cases reported in leading newspapers and online media highlight a disturbing trend. These incidents include killings, arbitrary detentions, harassment, alleged false charges, attacks on journalists’ families, mob violence targeting cultural events, disruptions at women’s football matches, and threats against indigenous rights activists. Also, restrictions on certain book stalls at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair further illustrate the shrinking space for free expression. Collectively, these developments underscore the growing threats faced by journalists and human rights defenders in Bangladesh, posing severe challenges to fundamental freedoms.
The brutal murder of journalist Swapan Bhadra of Daily Swajan highlights the deadly risks faced by reporters investigating corruption and crime. Arbitrary detentions, such as that of Daily Samakal journalist Pradip Chowdhury, raise serious concerns about politically motivated arrests in an increasingly restrictive environment. Attacks on journalists continue with impunity. The Daily Star’s Shahidul Islam was assaulted despite being visibly identified as a reporter. In Shariatpur, four journalists, Sohag Khan Sujan (Daily Samakal), Bidhan Mojumder Oni (News24 Television), Nayan Das (Bangla TV), and Saiful Islam Akash (Desh TV) — were attacked for exposing hospital negligence. Similarly, Sujan Mahmud of Daily Khola Kagoj (Kurigram) was targeted for reporting on a local political leader. Meanwhile, Prothom Alo’s Narail correspondent, Md. Raju Sheikh, received death threats and verbal abuse after covering vandalism at Narail Government Victoria College.
Judicial actions have further stifled press freedom. In a striking example, the editor, publisher, and a columnist of Daily Jugantor were compelled to seek the court’s mercy for publishing an article. The mass revocation of press accreditation for 167 journalists, combined with intelligence-led scrutiny of the financial accounts of 33 journalists, has fostered an atmosphere of fear and restriction, severely undermining professional journalism. The abrupt shutdown of Daily Bhorer Kagoj, a 33-year-old newspaper, has further exacerbated the crisis, leaving around 140 employees jobless without severance benefits, an alarming reflection of the growing precarity of the media landscape.
The proposed draft of Cyber Safety Ordinance adds another layer of risk to free expression. Lacking judicial oversight and institutional accountability, its provisions could be misused to suppress dissent. The RRT urges a cautious and transparent approach, emphasizing the need for extended consultations, meaningful stakeholder participation, and broad public engagement before the ordinance is enacted. While the repeal of the Cyber Security Act and ongoing discussions on media reform are positive steps, they are overshadowed by continued violations of press freedom — contradicting the interim government’s claim of ‘unprecedented media freedom.’ The RRT calls on authorities to take immediate corrective actions, including transparent investigations into journalist killings, the release of wrongfully detained reporters, and the reinstatement of press accreditation unless credible evidence of misconduct exists.
Beyond the media, restrictions on cultural expression have also intensified. In January, a group identifying as ‘Towhidi Janata’ pressured authorities to cancel a women’s football tournament in Dinajpur, leading to clashes that left at least 10 people injured. In February, authorities forcibly disrupted Basanta (spring) celebrations in Chattogram, Tangail, and Dhaka, further restricting cultural expression. Earlier, a Lalon festival in Tangail’s Madhupur was cancelled following objections from Hefazat-e-Islam, reflecting a growing pattern of intolerance toward artistic and cultural freedom.
We firmly believe that upholding the rule of law is essential to protect our fundamental rights. These rights include the right to life, security, and freedom of political and cultural expression, assembly, and association. Our taskforce is calling for the adoption of long-term measures to protect journalists, activists, human rights defenders, artists, and vulnerable communities, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all. Dedicated to defending digital and civic spaces in Bangladesh, the Taskforce remains steadfast in its advocacy for free expression, access to information, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Signed,
Members of the Rapid Response Taskforce (RRT)
The RRT consists of 13 members, representing a diverse group of individuals including women, ethnic and religious minorities, youth, activists, lawyers, academicians, gender diverse activists and representatives from civil society organizations under the project titled ‘Collaborative Actions for Promoting Digital and Civic Space and Combating Gender Disinformation’ funded by European Union, Free Press Unlimited, Article 19 and jointly implemented by VOICE and The Daily Ittefaq.