496 journalists faced harassment in one year: TIB

A total of 496 journalists were subjected to harassment between August 2024 and July 2025, according to a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

The findings were shared  yesterday (4 August) in Dhaka during the unveiling of a report titled "One Year After the Fall of the Authoritarian Regime: Expectations and Achievements."

Despite Bangladesh improving 16 positions in the 2025 Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), freedom of expression and the overall state of media remain questionable, TIB noted.

Harassment and attacks on journalists, writers, and human rights activists continued even during the interim government. Between August 2024 and July 2025, at least 496 journalists faced harassment, including 266 journalists who were named as accused in murder cases related to the July uprising. During this time, three journalists were killed while on duty.

Additionally, editors of eight newspapers and news chiefs of eleven private TV channels were dismissed from their positions. At least 150 journalists lost their jobs, and several media offices experienced mob attacks aimed at creating fear and intimidation.

Controversy also surrounded the government's actions regarding press accreditation cards. In three separate phases, 167 journalists had their accreditation cards revoked, and access to the Secretariat was restricted for journalists following a fire incident. Furthermore, the 2022 Press Accreditation Policy was amended.

TIB stated that despite the change in regime, media freedom was not ensured, and it was instead undermined through indirect and systematic means. The interim government also showed indifference towards making the Information Commission effective and reforming the Right to Information Act, which impacted the free flow of information and the public's right to know.

Although 12 decisions were made to implement media reform commission's recommendations, and a committee was formed to ensure the autonomy of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, there is still no guarantee of free access to state information. A culture of information concealment and reluctance to publish proactive disclosures persists in government offices.

On the other hand, the report notes a rise in the misuse of freedom of expression, particularly on social media, where false information and rumours are being spread against opposition parties and the government. There have also been incidents where fake news was circulated using media logos and journalist ID cards, and there has been an increase in the use of artificial intelligence for negative propaganda.