Govt drafts new law to protect journalists from violence, threats, harassment
The draft ordinance prohibits illegal searches, seizures, or actions that could harm a journalist’s reputation, freedom, or property
The government is set to enact the "Protection of Rights of Journalists Ordinance, 2025," to provide legal safeguards for the lives, property, and professional independence of journalists.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already drafted the ordinance, which aims to protect journalists from violence, threats, and harassment by individuals and organisations.
The move follows a recommendation from the Media Reform Commission, formed by the interim government on 18 November last year, which called for a separate law to protect journalists.
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According to ministry sources, the ordinance prohibits any actions that harm a journalist's personal or professional life or property in connection with their work. It also ensures that journalists are not unlawfully arrested or detained and that no law or regulation undermines their independence and neutrality.
The law requires the government to protect journalists even in conflict-affected areas, ensuring they can gather, disseminate, and publish information of public interest without facing violence, threats, or harassment.
Journalists will also have the right to protect their personal privacy, homes, families, and all means of communication. Forceful or illegal entry into a journalist's home, searches, or seizure of property is strictly prohibited.
The ordinance makes it clear that no individual, organisation, authority, company, institution, government employee, or law enforcement agency can compel a journalist to reveal sources through intimidation or physical or psychological pressure.
Media owners, directors, investors, and management are responsible for ensuring a supportive working environment free from threats, harassment, or sexual misconduct. Journalists may file a written complaint with the commission if these conditions are violated.
Additionally, the ordinance protects journalists acting in good faith from civil or criminal action if any individual, organisation, or institution suffers harm due to published information, unless malicious intent is proven.
Any act of violence, threat, or harassment against a journalist is punishable with imprisonment of one to five years, a fine of at least Tk1 lakh, or both, depending on the severity.
The law also addresses misuse of the ordinance — if a journalist knowingly files a complaint without legal basis with the intention of harming another person, they may face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of Tk50,000, or both.
The ordinance is expected to provide comprehensive legal protection, ensuring that journalists can carry out their professional duties freely, safely, and independently.
