(Shakeel Ahmed)
Secretary General, South Asia Journalists Federation
Date: September 25, 2025
The South Asia Journalists Federation (SAJF) condemns the alarming escalation of press freedom violations in Bangladesh since July 2024, under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Far from fulfilling promises of democratic reform, the regime has unleashed a systematic campaign of violence, arrests, legal harassment, and intimidation against journalists, particularly those critically reporting on the government’s policies, its handling of post-uprising unrest, and allegations of minority persecution and economic mismanagement. This repression, marked by a 230% surge in attacks on media workers, with over 878 journalists targeted between August 2024 and July 2025, constitutes a grave assault on the principles of free expression and democratic accountability.
SAJF President Geetartha Pathak stated:
“The interim government’s actions betray the aspirations of Bangladesh’s people for a free and open society. Journalists are being silenced through violence, arbitrary arrests, and institutional censorship for exposing truths about governance failures and rising extremism. This is not reform—it is regression into authoritarianism. We demand an immediate end to these attacks and the restoration of a free press as the cornerstone of democracy.
“Since the student-led uprising in July 2024 that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Yunus administration has overseen at least six journalist killings and over 431 incidents of physical violence or criminal threats, with more than 100 journalists injured. Notable cases include the brutal assault on Jamuna TV correspondent Ayub Khan Sarkar in Narsingdi and Savar reporter Rubel Prince in Gazipur, both targeted for their coverage of political and local disputes. Impunity prevails, with arrests made in only three such cases, signalling tacit state complicity.
The regime’s legal onslaught is equally disturbing. Over 600 cases have been filed against journalists, including 296 charges of murder, abduction, or “crimes against humanity” tied to the uprising—many deemed fabricated by rights groups. At least 18 journalists have been arrested, with seven, including Munni Saha and Shyamal Dutta, languishing in jail, often without bail or trial progress. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit has issued notices to 107 journalists and frozen 18 bank accounts, a tactic unprecedented in its scale.
Additionally, 168 press accreditations and 83 press club memberships have been revoked, targeting those perceived as critical of the regime. SAJF Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed declared:
“The Yunus government’s crackdown on journalists is a deliberate attempt to muzzle dissent and obscure its failures. From mob violence to draconian laws like the proposed Cyber Protection Ordinance 2024, the regime is strangling free expression. We stand in solidarity with Bangladesh’s journalists and call on the international community to hold this administration accountable. A government that jails reporters for speaking truth cannot claim legitimacy. “The SAJF notes with alarm the institutional censorship gripping Bangladesh’s media. Over 1,000 journalists have been fired or forced to resign, with media ownership forcibly transferred in most outlets. The chilling effect is evident: self-censorship is rampant, and critical reporting on Yunus’s alleged ties to extremist groups or economic mismanagement invites swift
retribution. This environment undermines the interim government’s reformist rhetoric and threatens Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The SAJF urgently calls for:
The immediate release of all detained journalists and the dismissal of fabricated charges.
Restoration of press accreditations and club memberships revoked without cause.
Repeal of repressive laws, including the proposed Cyber Protection Ordinance 2024, which mirrors the notorious Digital Security Act.
Independent investigations into journalist killings and attacks, with perpetrators brought to justice.
International pressure from bodies like the United Nations and press freedom watchdogs to ensure accountability.
The SAJF stands in unwavering support of Bangladesh’s journalists, who risk their lives to uphold truth and accountability. We urge the Yunus administration to honour its democratic promises by protecting, not persecuting, the press. Without a free media, Bangladesh’s path to justice and reform will remain illusory.
