Bangladesh’s media is currently facing a deep crisis, with journalists receiving threats, facing vandalism, and being fired in connection with the July Movement (2024). In the latest incident, Independent Television CEO Shamsur Rahman Momen has come under threat after producing a documentary presenting a different perspective on the July Movement. Questions are also being raised about the role of the interim government and the Ministry of Information, which are accused of collaborating with the agitators.

A Facebook page called “July Revolution,” linked to the most radical faction of the July Movement, has accused Independent TV’s investigative team of portraying the movement as “terrorist” activities in their documentary. Claims suggest that Shamsur Rahman Momen ordered the documentary’s production, with his wife providing the English voiceover. They allege the video was sent to various embassies worldwide to garner support for the Awami League. Momen is currently serving as Independent TV’s CEO, and the post has effectively incited mob attacks against the channel—a tactic previously used to silence other media outlets.

It is believed that Independent TV journalists themselves leaked this information to these radical pages. The Ministry of Information has taken no effective measures to control mob violence against the media, instead allegedly aiding the perpetrators.

Since the July Movement, threats and attacks against journalists have increased. Agitators, particularly student groups, have been intimidating journalists who report outside the movement’s “approved narrative.” Recently, four journalists lost their jobs for asking “uncomfortable” questions to interim government cultural advisor Mostafa Sarwar Faruqi. Rahman Mizan (Deepto TV) and Fazle Rabbi (ATN Bangla) were dismissed, seen as a direct blow to press freedom.

Additionally, mobs have attacked newspaper offices, vandalized property, and set fires in retaliation for critical reporting. The offices of the National Press Club president and general secretary were vandalized, and journalist Shyamal Dutta was prevented from leaving the country. Attacks have also occurred at the Chittagong Press Club, Kaler Kantho, Radio Capital, and the East-West Media Group offices.

The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has failed to take effective action against these attacks. Instead, allegations suggest the government and the Ministry of Information are cooperating with the agitators. Journalists are being arrested, charged, and punished—for instance, Ekattor TV’s Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Bhorer Kagoj editor Shyamal Dutta were arrested in a murder case, allegedly to portray them as Awami League supporters.

The Indian Research and Reporting Agency (IRRA) reported that 640 journalists have been targeted in the past eight months under the Yunus government, describing the situation as “unprecedented” in Bangladesh’s media history.

Media freedom in Bangladesh has long been under threat. During the Awami League government (2009-2024), the Digital Security Act (DSA) was used against journalists. In 2023, Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams was arrested for a report on living expenses.

Although the Cyber Security Act was repealed after the July Movement, new threats and vandalism have created panic among journalists. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Bangladesh 165th in the 2024 Press Freedom Index—the lowest in South Asia. IRRA director Suhas Chakma stated, “After Awami League supporters, journalists are the most at risk in Yunus’ Bangladesh.”

Allegations suggest a “joint production” between the Yunus government and agitators, where the government supports the movement by filing cases and arresting journalists.

Bangladesh’s media is in a critical state, with journalists facing threats from agitators, government oppression, and professional uncertainty. The controversy surrounding Independent TV’s documentary and attacks on journalists are severely impacting media freedom. The international community must take urgent action to ensure journalists can perform their duties without fear.