89% journalists fear physical attacks during 2026 election coverage: Study
The study surveyed 201 journalists across 19 districts and conducted 10 in-depth interviews. An overwhelming 89% of respondents fear physical attacks or assault while covering election-related events.
Highlights
- 89% journalists fear physical attacks during election coverage
- 50% female journalists fear sexual harassment, 40% fear sexual assault
- 75% expect disinformation attacks; 65% fear hacking attempts
- Study urges long-term safety training, gender-sensitive protection, and clear newsroom protocols.
Nearly nine in ten journalists expect to face physical attacks while covering the upcoming national election, and more than three-quarters anticipate verbal harassment and intimidation, according to a new study by Digitally Right.
The research warns of a sharp rise in both physical and digital threats, with female journalists facing significantly higher risks.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Digitally Right's Managing Director Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury presented the study, titled "High Risk, Low Preparedness: Journalist Safety in the 2026 Election," at a discussion in the capital today (6 December).
The study surveyed 201 journalists across 19 districts and conducted 10 in-depth interviews. An overwhelming 89% of respondents fear physical attacks or assault while covering election-related events. Additionally, 76% reported verbal harassment, and 71% identified intimidation as a major risk.
The threats are even more severe for female journalists — 50% fear sexual harassment and 40% fear sexual assault during election coverage.
According to the study, digital threats also pose a significant challenge. Around 75% of journalists believe they or their media houses may be targeted through disinformation campaigns, while 65% fear hacking attempts.
Female journalists reported heightened concerns about online harassment and surveillance. More than half of all respondents worry that coordinated smear campaigns may be used to discredit their work and harm their professional reputation.
The study further revealed that most media organisations remain poorly prepared to handle these risks. Only 24% of respondents said they had received any safety equipment or training from their employers, while 77% reported that their organisations lack clear digital safety policies.
More than 90% identified political parties and activists as the primary sources of physical threats. Female and regional journalists additionally cited law enforcement agencies and extremist religious groups as significant risks.
Journalists said political labelling, public distrust of the media, extremism, mob violence, weak law enforcement, and targeted disinformation against reporters could further intensify threats ahead of the election.
The report recommends long-term physical and digital safety training, clear newsroom safety protocols, gender-sensitive protection mechanisms, and better access to emergency and legal support.
During the discussion, Reaz Ahmad, Editor of Dhaka Tribune, said, "Media owners remain indifferent to the physical safety of reporters, despite knowing the risks. As a result, professional journalists are often forced to secure their own safety."
Editors and senior journalists from major outlets, including The Business Standard, Times of Bangladesh, AFP, New Age, Samakal, Jamuna TV, bdnews24.com, RTV and Ekattor Television, also took part in the event. Maria Peterson, Asia Project Coordinator of the Foyo Media Institute, joined the discussion virtually.
