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Bangladesh Journalists Face Surge in Violence and Online Threats

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 11:04 GMT by Associated Press
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DHAKA, Bangladesh (February 22nd, 2026) - The already precarious situation for journalists in Bangladesh has dramatically worsened, with a recent surge in physical assaults and online threats targeting reporters critical of the government and powerful interests. Authorities are investigating a series of attacks believed to be directly linked to a coordinated online campaign inciting violence against media professionals, raising serious concerns about the erosion of press freedom in the nation.

Since the initial reports surfaced last week, at least eight journalists have come forward detailing experiences ranging from physical assaults to sustained online harassment and death threats. The escalation represents a significant jump in hostility towards the press, building upon years of documented self-censorship and intimidation. While police have initiated investigations and registered cases, a lack of arrests has fueled anxieties among journalists and press freedom advocates.

The online campaign, identified by authorities as originating from multiple sources and spread across several social media platforms, focuses on discrediting journalists who report on sensitive issues like government corruption, illegal business practices (particularly within the rapidly expanding garment and construction sectors), and alleged human rights abuses. Posts frequently feature fabricated stories, manipulated images, and direct calls for violence against targeted reporters. Investigators are struggling to pinpoint the central orchestrators, hampered by the campaign's decentralized nature and use of encrypted messaging apps.

"The situation is deeply alarming," states Anya Rahman, a representative for the Bangladesh Press Freedom Collective. "What began as online vitriol has demonstrably spilled over into real-world violence. We're seeing a pattern where journalists are first systematically defamed online, making them vulnerable, and then subjected to physical attacks. This is a clear and calculated attempt to silence critical voices."

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders, and Amnesty International have all issued strongly worded statements condemning the attacks and urging the Bangladeshi government to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. They highlight the chilling effect the attacks have on independent journalism and the broader implications for democratic accountability. CPJ's recent report on Bangladesh specifically notes a concerning trend of impunity for crimes against journalists, with perpetrators rarely held accountable.

Experts like David Bergman, a long-time observer of Bangladesh's political landscape and media environment, warn that the online attacks are often a precursor to more severe forms of violence. "The anonymity afforded by social media amplifies the reach and impact of these campaigns," Bergman explains. "It's incredibly difficult to trace the funding and masterminds behind them. The government needs to demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting journalists, not just with words, but with concrete action."

The context of these attacks is particularly sensitive given the upcoming national elections, slated for early 2024. Political tensions are already running high, and the media's ability to report freely and impartially is crucial for ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. Journalists covering the elections, particularly those investigating potential irregularities or instances of voter intimidation, are expected to face increased scrutiny and potential threats. Concerns are growing about the potential for the online harassment to escalate further during the campaign period.

For years, Bangladesh's government has maintained that it supports press freedom. However, critics point to a number of laws - including the controversial Digital Security Act (DSA) - that have been used to stifle dissent and silence critical journalists. While some amendments to the DSA have been made, many remain concerned that the law's broad and vaguely worded provisions continue to pose a threat to freedom of expression. The DSA allows for lengthy imprisonment for vaguely defined offenses like "spreading false information" or "harming the image of the state." Numerous journalists have been charged under this law, forcing some to flee the country to avoid prosecution.

The recent attacks have prompted a renewed push for legislative reforms aimed at strengthening press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists. Rahman and other advocates are calling for the complete repeal of the DSA and the implementation of robust protections for media professionals. They also urge the government to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into the attacks and to hold those responsible accountable, regardless of their political affiliation or connections. The future of independent journalism in Bangladesh hangs in the balance, demanding immediate and decisive action to protect those who dare to speak truth to power.