Punishment for writing the truth! Attacks on journalists increased in Dhaka, hundreds of cases registered in one year; The world expressed concern

Bangladesh Journalists Attack: As the election date in Bangladesh is approaching, the atmosphere of violence and instability in the country is continuously deepening. Amidst the political conflict, the biggest impact is being seen on the media and journalists. The situation has become so serious that journalists in the country are feeling unsafe and there are direct attacks on the freedom of the press.

According to local media reports, senior journalist Anees Alamgir was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) in the name of questioning related to some sensitive issues. After this, legal action was also started against him. This incident has caused deep concern among journalist organizations and human rights activists.

Attack on on-duty journalist

In the last few days, incidents of attacks on journalists have increased. Within a week, on-duty journalist Risan was attacked. The incident occurred when he was gathering information related to a high-profile shooting at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. It was reported that Sharif Usman Bin Hadi, independent candidate from Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Iqbal Manch, was shot in the head in broad daylight. While reporting on this case, supporters of student-turned-politician Hadi attacked journalist Risan.

Attempt to suppress freedom of expression

Earlier in July, a group of 88 journalists, writers, researchers, cultural workers and human rights activists from abroad expressed grave concern over the “continued oppression of journalists and suppression of freedom of expression” in Bangladesh under Yunus’ interim government.

Questions are being raised on the situation of Bangladesh even at the international level. Earlier this month, several renowned international experts expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. Experts allege that false and fabricated cases are being resorted to out of political vendetta, in which journalists and dissenters are being targeted.

550 percent cases compared to last year

Canadian think tank ‘Global Center for Democratic Governance (GCDG)’ recently organized a virtual international seminar on Bangladesh in Crisis: Human Rights, Justice and the Future of Democracy. At the seminar, Charlotte Jacquemart, editor of Switzerland’s public radio, revealed that 195 criminal cases were filed against journalists between August 2024 and July 2025, which is 550 percent more than last year.

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In the press statement issued after the seminar, it was said that during the same period, 878 journalists were harassed in different ways. Experts have demanded immediate withdrawal of all fabricated cases and release of the arrested journalists. The increasing violence and repression in the electoral environment has raised serious questions over the future of democracy and press freedom in Bangladesh.

(With IANS inputs)