The Rapid Response Team (RRT) expresses its profound concern and strong condemnation regarding the continued and escalating threats to digital and civic space, freedom of expression, cultural participation, and gender justice in Bangladesh. Over the past few months, a disturbing series of incidents has unfolded, reflecting a systematic attempt to shrink the space for dissent, journalism, artistic expression, and civic engagement. These developments not only jeopardize democratic principles but also pose serious threats to the safety, dignity, and rights of individuals working in media, civil society, academia, and the broader public sphere.
One such alarming incident occurred in April 2025 when the stage play ‘Shesher Kobita’, scheduled to be performed by the renowned troupe Prangone Mor on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh, was disrupted. A threatening letter from a group identifying themselves as ‘Towhidi Janata’ demanded the cancellation of the show, threatening to forcibly spoil the event if their demands were not met. This blatant act of intimidation not only undermined the artists’ freedom of expression but sought to weaponize religion as a tool for silencing cultural narratives. While the Ministry of Cultural Affairs intervened and allowed the performance to go ahead at a later date, the incident has left a chilling effect on the creative community. It is unacceptable that any group can threaten violence to suppress artistic voices, and such threats must be dealt with in accordance with the rule of law.
The growing influence of ultra-conservative groups in shaping institutional responses was exemplified by the transfer of college teacher and women’s rights activist Nadira Yeasmin. Following a 48-hour ultimatum from Hefazat-e-Islam protesting her feminist writings, Nadira was removed from her post and transferred to a remote college near the Indian border. This decision is a deeply worrying sign of capitulation to mob pressure, and the RRT strongly protests such enforced mechanisms that seek to silence women’s voices in academic and public spaces.
Similarly, the attack on journalist Masum Badshah in Manikganj on April 17 underscores the deepening vulnerabilities faced by media professionals. Masum was assaulted and his motorcycle vandalized, reportedly in retaliation for his investigative reports on corruption and drug trafficking. This brazen act of violence is indicative of the impunity with which powerful local actors operate to silence voices that seek accountability. The RRT commends the solidarity shown by local press clubs and civil society, but reiterates that condemnation must be matched with concrete legal action against the perpetrators.
On May 27, journalists were denied access to the Secretariat during a large-scale employee protest against a controversial government ordinance. Despite the prior announcement to suspend general visitor access, there was no explanation as to why press access was also revoked. Such denial of access to information during critical civic unrest amounts to a violation of the public’s right to know and undermines the role of the media in reporting truthfully and independently.
In another grave violation, Nuruzzaman Labu, a respected journalist with Bangla Tribune, was subjected to a series of coordinated threats after publishing a report on a rally featuring symbols associated with an extremist group. With documented links to banned militant organisations, the threats against Nuruzzaman constitute a direct attack on press freedom and the safety of journalists. Various rights-based organisation and journalist associations have raised the alarm, yet the lack of visible action from authorities signals a worrying trend of negligence. The RRT urges an immediate and impartial investigation into the threats and the provision of adequate protection for Nuruzzaman and other vulnerable journalists.
Violence against journalists continues to escalate. On May 16, Somoy TV correspondent Bahar Uddin Raihan was attacked while covering a student protest in Cumilla. He sustained injuries and required medical treatment. His only ‘crime’ was fulfilling his professional duty as a journalist. The RRT condemns this attack and calls upon the authorities to ensure accountability for those who resort to violence against members of the press.
The misuse of legal mechanisms to harass journalists has reached unprecedented levels. On May 13, a politically motivated case was filed against 26 journalists in Chattogram, accusing them of attempted murder. This includes respected leaders of the Chattogram Union of Journalists and reporters from nearly all leading news outlets. The case, filed by a politically affiliated individual, appears to be based on distorted facts and represents a dangerous precedent of legal harassment and intimidation. The RRT stands in full solidarity with the accused journalists and demands the immediate withdrawal of the case.
Equally disturbing is the tragic case of Sultana Parvin, a 23-year-old woman who died by suicide after being subjected to digital gender-based violence through a deepfake AI-generated video. The video, allegedly created and circulated by a relative of her husband, led to emotional trauma, marital discord, and ultimately, her death. This case illustrates the devastating impact of gender disinformation and the misuse of emerging technologies. It is imperative that authorities not only investigate the specific perpetrators of this crime but also take proactive steps to establish a legal and institutional framework to combat digital violence and protect women and gender-diverse persons online.
Finally, the RRT expresses deep concern over the arbitrary detention of Professor SM Anowara Begum, a retired academic and freedom fighter, who was arrested in connection with a protest from the July 2024 uprising. At 69 years old, her arrest and denial of bail raise serious questions about the proportionality and fairness of the legal system, particularly in dealing with dissenters and elderly citizens with a long history of public service. While she has since been granted bail, the reputational damage and trauma inflicted are irreversible.
These incidents are not isolated. They are interconnected pieces of a broader pattern aimed at shrinking the digital and civic space in Bangladesh, particularly targeting journalists, cultural workers, women, and dissenters. The RRT unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, threats, censorship, gender disinformation, and the misuse of law to suppress civic actors. We remind the authorities that Bangladesh has committed to upholding the principles enshrined in the Constitution and international human rights treaties, including the right to freedom of expression, access to information, and protection from arbitrary detention.
We urge the government of Bangladesh to:
- Ensure independent and transparent investigations into all reported cases;
- Bring perpetrators to justice swiftly and fairly;
- Protect journalists, human rights defenders, and artists from threats and intimidation;
- Strengthen legal safeguards against digital gender-based violence;
- Resist pressure from non-state actors seeking to censor academic and cultural expression;
- Uphold the public’s right to access information, particularly in moments of national significance.
In this critical time, the RRT remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding civic freedoms and amplifying the voices of those under threat. We call upon all stakeholders, state institutions, civil society, the international community, and the general public, to stand in solidarity against the erosion of digital and civic space in Bangladesh.