On April 28, 2025, at a press conference by Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, the Cultural Affairs Advisor of the interim government in Dhaka, the questions from Dipto TV’s Senior Broadcast Journalists Mizanor Rahman and Mahmud Shaon, Channel i’s Senior Reporter Rafiqul Basar, and ATN Bangla’s Special Correspondent Md. Fazle Rabbi became the reason for their dismissal.

Advisor Farooki and some quarters viewed the questions regarding the source and basis of information about the 1,400 people killed in the ‘July Uprising’ as a ‘subtle attempt to deny genocide’ and disrespectful to the martyrs of the July Uprising.

Dipto TV authorities have dismissed Mizanor Rahman. The channel stated, ‘Due to internal reasons, the management has temporarily suspended news operations.’ Channel i has relieved Rafiqul Basar of his duties. Channel i authorities stated, ‘There has been a complaint, which we will investigate. And he has been relieved of his duties. This is an official process.’ ATN News authorities dismissed Fazle Rabbi citing a ‘lack of professionalism during reporting.’

Regarding this matter, Advisor Farooki stated in his Facebook post that he or the government has no direct or indirect involvement in the dismissal of the journalists. He further said, ‘It is ridiculous that journalists lost their jobs for asking me questions. The issue is not me, the issue is July and the concerned institution’s policy.’

Many senior journalists in Bangladesh view this incident of journalists being dismissed for asking questions at a press conference as a threat to the freedom of the media. Senior journalists have expressed concern that this type of action curtails journalists’ right to ask questions freely. As a result, new questions have arisen about the freedom of the media and the safety of journalists in Bangladesh.

On August 5, 2024, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country, a dramatic change occurred in the political landscape of Bangladesh. Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assumed power. During the interim government’s rule (August 2024 – April 2025), widespread incidents of torture, dismissal, and deprivation of professional rights occurred against journalists and media workers. During this period, at least 1600 journalists and media workers lost their jobs, an unprecedented event in the media landscape of Bangladesh. This hindered independent journalism and left thousands of families in financial hardship.

1. Cases and Harassment Against Journalists/Media Workers
According to a report by The Daily Star, 77 journalists in Dhaka have been charged with murder, attempted murder, illegal assembly, and rioting in 19 cases. In Chattogram, 33 journalists have been charged with attempted murder and kidnapping in 2 cases, in Bogura, 22 journalists have

been charged with murder in 8 cases, and in Rajshahi, 14 journalists have been charged with vandalism, extortion, and assault in 3 cases.

According to the human rights organization Human Rights Watch, at least 140 journalists have been charged with murder until November 2024 for publishing reports on the movement.

2. Attacks and Occupation/Dispossession of Electronic and Print Media/ Media Houses
In August 2024, several electronic and print media outlets were attacked and occupied.
The offices of ATN Bangla and ATN News were looted and vandalized, forcing the authorities of the two channels to stop broadcasting. Ekattor TV, Independent Television, Somoy TV, and Gaan Bangla TV offices were also attacked.

On August 18, 2024, the Kaler Kantho and Radio Capital offices located in the East West Media Group compound were attacked. Approximately 25 vehicles were damaged in this attack.

Alleging anti-Islamic and pro-Indian propaganda against Prothom Alo, some Islamist people under the banner of ‘People of Bangladesh’ announced a ‘Ziafat’ program. On November 24, 2024, at noon, they gathered in front of the Prothom Alo office, sacrificed cows, and started cooking Khichuri. Police repeatedly requested them to leave the area, but they refused. When the situation became heated, police dispersed the protesters using batons, tear gas, and sound grenades. The army also assisted in controlling the situation.

On November 25, 2024, approximately 200 protesters attacked the Prothom Alo office in Rajshahi. They vandalized the office signboard and set it on fire. In the same month, at 10:40 pm, 15-16 masked and helmeted individuals came on motorcycles and threw bricks and stones at the Prothom Alo office in the Jaleswaritala area of Bogura city. This broke the office windows and damaged the signboard. As a result, Prothom Alo employees were subjected to threats and insults.

3. Attacks on Press Clubs and Harassment of Journalists
From August 5, 2024, to April 2025, attacks occurred on various press clubs in Bangladesh. Some of them are mentioned below:
On August 11, 2024, the rooms of Bangladesh National Press Club President Farida Yasmin and General Secretary Shyamal Dutta were occupied and vandalized.

On August 18, 2024, BNP leader ATM Akram Hossain Talim led an attack on Bagerhat Press Club.

On September 19, 2024, at around 10 pm, unidentified attackers entered the Khulna Press Club building and vandalized it extensively. Local journalist Shafiqul Alam was seriously injured. Eyewitnesses said the attackers were chanting slogans in favor of the ruling party.

On October 5, 2024, at 9 pm, masked individuals cut off the electricity to the Chattogram Press Club and set fire to the main gate of the club. Journalist Rajib Das was attacked and his camera was broken while recording a video of the attack.

On November 15, 2024, the Barishal Press Club building was attacked with batons and rods. Female journalist Tamanna Sultana was injured, and the press club’s windows and doors were vandalized.

On January 22, 2025, plainclothes law enforcement members suddenly entered the Sylhet Press Club, surrounded several journalists, and interrogated them. Somoy TV correspondent Emdadul Haque Apu was pushed out.

On February 8, 2025, at 8 pm, 10-12 miscreants on motorcycles threw brickbats at the Rangpur Press Club building. Journalist Saiful Islam was injured when window glass fell on him during a meeting inside.

In March 2025, after broadcasting a report critical of the government, some miscreants entered the Mymensingh Press Club in the evening and burned computers and documents. Journalist Hasan Mahmud was beaten with a chair.

On April 2, 2025, some unidentified individuals attempted to set fire to the main gate of the Cumilla Press Club by pouring petrol. The fire service extinguished it, but the club’s signboard was burnt. Local journalist Mehdi Hasan said that an investigative report had been broadcast the previous day.

From August 2024 to May 2025, during the interim government’s tenure, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) sought information on the bank accounts of a total of 33 journalists.

During this time, 354 journalists were harassed, 74 incidents of violence occurred, and 113 criminal cases were filed. The interim government alleged that various journalists and online platforms were involved in ‘spreading rumors’ and ‘disseminating anti-state information.’ Based on these allegations, at least 42 online portals were shut down from September 2024 to January 2025. A surveillance task force was formed by the Cyber Crime Unit, which took action against journalists based on more than 90 reports and Facebook live videos. Many had their mobile phones and laptops confiscated, while many others were labeled as “involved in international conspiracy.”

4. Dismissal and Threats to Journalists/ Media Workers
During this period, at least 1600 journalists/ media workers lost their jobs. In August 2024, anti- discrimination student movement leader Hasnat Abdullah threatened Somoy TV’s owners and demanded the dismissal of 10 journalists. Following this threat, Somoy TV authorities fired five journalists.

On August 13, 2024, Raypura Upazila Press Club President and Desh Rupantor correspondent Moniruzzaman Monir was physically assaulted and shot.

Chattogram University quota movement coordinator Talaat Mahmud Rafi threatened journalists, saying, ‘It won’t take even 15 seconds to finish them.’

5. Obstruction of Reporting on the Suppression and Oppression of Minority/Hindu Communities
Since August 5, 2024, many journalists have faced job losses, lawsuits, and threats for reporting on attacks and oppression against minority/Hindu communities. Journalists reporting critically of the interim government have been subjected to actions under the Digital Security Act. The publication of information on minority persecution has been widely obstructed by fear and state pressure. Information on a few of the notable journalists who were harassed:
In August 2024, Ekhon TV journalist Imon Chowdhury covered the incident of Hindu women being raped in Pirojpur. After this report went viral, Ekhon TV fired him.

On September 22, 2024, journalist Sumi Biswas published a series of investigative reports on attacks on Hindu temples and the silence of the administration in Khulna and Satkhira. After the publication of the reports, journalist Sumi Biswas faced a case under the Digital Security Act and received death threats. On September 30, 2024, she left the country and took refuge in Nepal.

ABnews24.com editor journalist Subas Sinha Roy faced charges of “crimes against humanity” in the International Crimes Tribunal after publishing reports on violence against minorities. His bank account was brought under investigation, and demands were made to expel him from the National Press Club.

Rahul Chandra Das, Khulna regional representative of Dainik Samakal, faced a case under the Digital Security Act for publishing an investigative report on the occupation of Hindu families’ land in Tala Upazila, Satkhira. Eventually, after losing his job and receiving multiple death threats, he went into hiding. Later, he took refuge in India.

Channel 24 journalist Minakshi Ray was subjected to widespread trolling on social media, phone threats, and police surveillance after broadcasting a video report on the vandalism of the Chulkathi temple in Bagerhat district. Channel 24 authorities fired her on charges of indiscipline. She is currently in hiding.

Gautam Saha, Barishal bureau reporter for Jamuna Television, prepared a series of reports on attacks and arson on Hindu community’s places of worship. After the publication of the reports, his house was attacked by unidentified armed men, and the local administration accused him of

making ‘provocative reports.’ As a result, he was forced to leave his profession and take refuge at a relative’s house.

Rabi Nath, special correspondent for Manab Zamin, faced applications for cases under the Digital Security Act and defamation charges for publishing a series of reports on violence in a Hindu- dominated village in Narail, on charges of anti-government propaganda. Due to threats, he is currently in hiding.

Prothom Alo journalist Biplob Chakraborty faced allegations of publishing politically motivated reports after investigating and publishing an incident of an attack on a Hindu family’s business establishment. Although he was not fired, the office authorities temporarily relieved him of his duties and placed him under strict surveillance.

Debashish Pal, Khulna bureau representative of Ittefaq, faced a case under the Digital Security Act for publishing news of an attack on a Hindu neighborhood in Rupsa Upazila as “communal violence.” He has been interrogated multiple times by intelligence agencies, and his passport has been seized.

Independent Television reporter Purnendu Sarkar was transferred by government order for using the word ‘communal’ while reporting on an attack on a Kali temple in Khulna. He is undergoing treatment due to mental stress and is living estranged from his family.

BDeNews24 investigative journalist Tanmoy Biswas reported on the incident of setting fire to a Hindu family’s house in Satkhira, where questions were raised about the role of the local administration. As a result, a case was filed against him under the ICT Act on charges of leaking government confidential information, and he went into hiding.

Nasima Khan Monty, editor of Amader Orthoniti, had her and her family’s bank accounts summoned and a travel ban imposed for publishing reports based on information on various minority persecutions. Currently, she is unable to go to her office publicly.

Zulfiqar Ali Manik, a senior journalist working for international media, had his bank account seized and faced sedition charges for allegedly sending videos and photographic evidence of minority persecution to international circles.

6. Cancellation of Press Accreditation
Between October and November 2024, the Press Information Department (PID) of the Bangladesh government cancelled the press accreditation of 167 journalists in three phases. As a result of this decision, journalists’ access to government buildings and opportunities to cover government events were limited. This step seriously affected the freedom of the press and was criticized internationally.

7. Change of Ownership/Leadership of Electronic and Print Media
During the interim government, the leadership of 29 newspapers and television channels was changed. Through these changes, journalists supporting BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami were appointed.

8. Interim Government’s Response and International Concerns
From August 5, 2024, to the present, the interim government of Bangladesh has not officially issued any statement regarding the cases, arrests, attacks, and harassment of journalists in Bangladesh. Although the government has expressed its commitment to journalism and freedom of expression, cases, arrests, and attacks against journalists have continued in reality. In this situation, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and Editors’ Council, among various organizations, have expressed concern. They have considered the cases and harassment against journalists as a threat to independent journalism. In particular, the Editors’ Council has described the murder cases filed against journalists after the July movement as an ‘abuse of the existing law’ and a violation of the government’s commitment to independent journalism.

The chief advisor of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, acknowledged that the murder charges against journalists were filed “hurriedly, based on old laws and practices.”

09. International Concerns
International human rights organizations, journalists’ organizations, and global media outlets have reacted strongly to the cases, arrests, attacks, and harassment of journalists in Bangladesh during the interim government. Amnesty International expressed deep concern in a statement about the shrinking freedom of expression in Bangladesh and called for an end to the harassment and arrest of journalists. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stated in a statement that the safety of journalists under the interim government of Bangladesh is severely compromised and that it violates the fundamental standards of international media freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) protested against the arrest and torture of journalists in Bangladesh in several statements and demanded the immediate release of the arrested journalists. International media outlets such as BBC, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and Deutsche Welle highlighted the incidents of journalist persecution in Bangladesh in various reports and drew the attention of the international community to this issue. These statements repeatedly emphasized that the democratic structure of Bangladesh would be severely damaged if the safety of journalists and freedom of expression were not ensured.

Reference
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