Attacks, threats, and harassment of 1,073 journalists recorded in 15 months after July Uprising: TIB
At least 70 were harassed, 27 detained, and family members of 17 journalists were assaulted or had their homes vandalised. Six journalists were killed
At least 1,073 journalists and media workers were subjected to attacks, lawsuits, killings, threats, harassment, detention, and job loss in 476 separate incidents between 5 August 2024, following the July mass uprising, and 1 November 2025, according to new research by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
The findings were presented today (9 December) at a discussion marking International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, titled "The State of Media in Post-Authoritarian Bangladesh." The analysis was led by Jafar Sadiq, deputy coordinator of TIB's Outreach and Communication division.
Sharp rise in violence and reprisals
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Presenting the keynote paper, Sadiq said 459 journalists were attacked in 259 incidents, while 99 received threats in 89 incidents. At least 70 were harassed, 27 detained, and family members of 17 journalists were assaulted or had their homes vandalised. Six journalists were killed.
In addition, 189 journalists were sacked, forced to resign, or relieved of duties in five incidents.
Sadiq noted that despite expectations of greater openness after the fall of authoritarian rule, "the past 16 months tell a different story," adding that even though Bangladesh rose 16 places to 149th in the global press freedom index, "there is little room for optimism" as negative practices persist.
Major shake-ups in media leadership
According to the paper, after 5 August 2024, sudden changes took place in top editorial positions across several media houses, often under political influence. At least eight newspaper editors and 11 TV news chiefs were removed or forced to resign, while many senior newsroom positions saw politically aligned replacements.
The Media Reform Commission reported leadership changes in 29 media outlets, alongside a transfer of ownership at one online portal.
Licensing concerns, shifting control
TIB said that although the Commission recommended a new, independent registration body, the information ministry approved two new TV channels - Next TV and Live TV - under the old process, both linked to leaders of the National Citizens' Committee.
Previously shuttered outlets such as Channel One and Amar Desh have resumed operations, while several others, including Dighonto TV and Star TV, are seeking to return or begin broadcasting.
Bangladesh currently has 3,270 registered newspapers and periodicals; 50 private TV channels (34 operational); 406 registered online portals; and 19 private FM radio stations on air.
