Media freedom improved significantly in Bangladesh under interim govt, US State Dept reports

Media freedom improved significantly in Bangladesh under the interim government, says the 2024 Report on Human Rights Practices in Bangladesh released by the US State Department yesterday.

"The previous government penalised media that criticised it or carried messages of the political opposition's activities and statements. The situation improved under the interim government," the report says.

The report further says both print and online independent media in Bangladesh were active and expressed a variety of views; however, media outlets that criticised the previous government were pressured. "Independent media could not operate freely or without restrictions during the previous government. Media freedom improved significantly under the interim government, although some journalists complained of implicit pressure in terms of what could be covered."

Referring to independent journalists and domestic media, the report claims that under the previous government, intelligence services influenced media outlets in part by withholding financially important government advertising and pressing private companies to withhold their advertising.

However, the report further alleges that following the change in government, journalists perceived to be supportive of the previous government were subjected to arrest and charged in criminal cases based on accusations from individuals, some of which appeared to have little factual basis, or to be acts of extortion.

In August and September, at least four senior journalists were arrested, whose coverage was viewed as supportive of Hasina and the Awami League, it notes.

"In October and November, the interim government revoked the credentials of 167 journalists connected with the previous government or ruling party. Without accreditation, journalists could write and publish through media outlets but were denied entry to government ministries, restricting their ability to cover official events or press conferences inside the government secretariat complex, which housed most ministries," it adds.

The report further says authorities, including police, intelligence services, and student affiliates of the previous ruling party, subjected journalists to violence, harassment, and intimidation, especially when tied to the Digital Security Act. "During the previous government, individuals faced the threat of being arrested, held in pretrial detention, subjected to costly criminal trials, fines, and imprisonment, as well as the social stigma associated with having a criminal record. The situation improved significantly in August after the IG was appointed."