Growing risks in an increasingly complex digital and political environment continue to undermine the safety and security of journalists across Bangladesh. Media professionals are facing harassment, intimidation, censorship, politically motivated and vexatious legal actions, as well as physical threats, often in the absence of effective protection, accountability, or access to justice.
In this context, a discussion meeting of the Quick Response Support (QRS) Team was held on 7 February 2026 at Karwanbazar, Dhaka, aimed at strengthening mechanisms for journalist safety and protection. The meeting was organized by the rights-based research and advocacy organization VOICE. This initiative is supported by International Media Support (IMS) under “Supporting Media During Transition Period in Bangladesh” Project.
Journalists, academicians, lawyers, and human rights activists participated in the meeting as members of the QRS Team. During the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of strengthened coordination and underscored the need for a comprehensive analysis of the current state of journalists’ safety and security in the country.
Speaking at the meeting, Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, said, “In the current context, the issue of safety and security of media professionals has become a matter of serious concern. Journalists are often required to remain at the forefront while gathering news, exposing them to heightened risks. Ensuring their protection is therefore of paramount importance. However, recent trends indicate a rise in targeted attacks and assaults against media workers. To prevent such incidents, stricter enforcement of law and order is urgently needed.”
Presenting an overview of the initiative, Musharrat Mahera, Deputy Director (Programmes) of VOICE, stated, “The fragile state of the human rights situation is largely attributable to weak laws and a fragile justice system. Through this team, we aim to build a strong network that will serve as a robust platform for the promotion and protection of journalists in the near future.”
She further informed that the Bangladesh Journalists Safety Fund (BJSF) has been established to provide support to journalists who face victimization due to their professional work. The QRS Team members will determine priorities based on defined criteria.
Senior journalist and columnist Sohrab Hossain, human rights activist Dalia Chakma, development consultant Monjur Rashid, academician Afroza Shoma, Sharaban Tohura, Azizul Parvez, and Mynul Hasan Sohel, among others, participated in the meeting.
Participants raised concerns over ongoing violations of press freedom, threats to journalists’ safety and security, violence against women journalists, as well as alleged vexatious cases and arbitrary detention of media workers. They reaffirmed their commitment to remain vocal and actively engaged in the pursuit and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.