Restrictive laws, political pressures continue to limit media freedom in Bangladesh

Media freedom in Bangladesh continues to face significant challenges due to restrictive laws, political pressure, and lack of public trust, according to a new study jointly conducted by the UNDP and Unesco, with support from Switzerland.

Titled "An Assessment of Bangladesh's Media Landscape: Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media", the study was launched today (3 July) in Dhaka. It outlines urgent reforms needed to align the country's media policies with international standards.

Conducted between July and December 2024, the assessment comes at a critical time in Bangladesh's political and social landscape. It involved nationwide consultations with journalists, policymakers, academics, civil society representatives, and development partners.

The report calls for legal and policy reforms, transparent state advertising, fair licensing, and stronger safeguards for journalists, according to a press release.

It also recommends investment in media literacy, gender equality in newsrooms, support for community and indigenous media, and credible self-regulation to rebuild public trust.

Mahfuz Alam, adviser at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, attended the launch as chief guest. "Media must uphold ethics and accountability, so that people's trust is not broken again and generations are not wronged," he said.

Attending the dialogue, Sonali Dayaratne, resident representative a.i.UNDP Bangladesh said, the role of the media in upholding democracy. 

"A free, independent, and pluralistic media is the foundation of any vibrant democracy," she said, adding, "We are committed to supporting structural reforms, media professionals, and public awareness of the media's role."

Alberto Giovanetti, counsellor at the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka, described the assessment as a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect press freedom. "We urge all partners to advance the critical reforms needed to strengthen media freedom and rebuild trust," he said.

Unesco Representative to Bangladesh, Susan Vize, who moderated the launch, highlighted freedom of expression as central to democratic life. "If we want to build a society grounded in human rights and a better quality of life, media freedom must be part of that process," she said.

Earlier, the keynote paper was presented by Joan Barata, senior legal fellow at the Future of Speech project, Vanderbilt University, and Shameem Reza, professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring media experts and development partners.