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"Editors removed... jailed since change of government," says senior Bangladesh Editor

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  Dhaka [Bangladesh], May 3 (ANI): On World Press Freedom Day, concerns over media independence in Bangladesh have resurfaced, with journalist Golam Rahman, Editor of Ajker Patrika, a Bengali daily newspaper of Bangladesh, voicing alarm over growing censorship and lack of transparency in the country's media. Speaking about the political shift that occurred in 2024, Rahman [ ]

Press Freedom Under Siege: Senior Bangladeshi Editor Highlights Crackdown on Journalists Amid Political Turmoil


In the wake of Bangladesh's dramatic political upheaval, a senior editor has sounded the alarm on what appears to be a systematic assault on media independence. Speaking candidly about the deteriorating environment for journalists, the editor revealed that numerous colleagues have been ousted from their positions or even imprisoned since the recent change in government. This revelation comes at a time when the nation is grappling with the aftermath of widespread protests that toppled the long-standing administration, raising serious questions about the future of free expression in one of South Asia's most populous democracies.

The senior editor, whose insights draw from decades of experience navigating Bangladesh's often turbulent media landscape, painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs. According to him, the shift in power has not ushered in the promised era of openness and reform but has instead led to a wave of reprisals against those in the press who dare to report critically or independently. He cited specific instances where editors of prominent newspapers and television channels were abruptly removed from their roles, often under dubious circumstances. In some cases, these removals were accompanied by arrests, with journalists facing charges ranging from sedition to defamation—accusations that critics argue are being weaponized to silence dissent.

To understand the gravity of these developments, it's essential to revisit the recent political context in Bangladesh. The country has been in flux since August, when massive student-led protests against job quotas escalated into a broader movement against the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. What began as demonstrations over economic grievances quickly morphed into calls for systemic change, culminating in Hasina's resignation and flight from the country after 15 years in power. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was installed to oversee the transition, with promises of restoring democratic norms and addressing corruption. However, as the senior editor pointed out, this new administration has not been immune to the temptations of authoritarian control, particularly when it comes to the media.

One of the most alarming aspects highlighted by the editor is the speed and scale of these actions against the press. He recounted how, in the immediate aftermath of the government change, several high-profile editors were targeted. For instance, the editor-in-chief of a major daily newspaper was reportedly detained on charges related to alleged incitement during the protests, despite claims that his reporting was factual and balanced. Another case involved a television news director who was removed from his post after his network aired segments critical of the interim government's handling of post-protest violence. These are not isolated incidents, the editor emphasized; they form part of a pattern that has seen at least a dozen media professionals either sacked or jailed in a matter of months.

Delving deeper into the editor's commentary, he drew parallels to previous eras of political instability in Bangladesh. He noted that while the Hasina regime was notorious for its crackdowns on opposition voices—including the use of the Digital Security Act to prosecute journalists—the current situation feels eerily similar, if not more precarious. Under Hasina, hundreds of cases were filed against media outlets, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on investigative reporting. Now, with the interim government in place, there's a fear that old habits are persisting under a new guise. The editor argued that the removals and arrests are often justified as necessary measures to curb "fake news" or "propaganda" from the previous regime's loyalists, but in reality, they target anyone perceived as a threat to the new order.

This crackdown has broader implications for Bangladesh's democratic fabric. The media plays a crucial role in holding power to account, especially during transitional periods when institutions are fragile. The senior editor warned that suppressing journalistic voices could exacerbate social divisions and hinder reconciliation efforts. He shared anecdotes from his own career, recalling times when he had to navigate censorship under military rule in the 1980s and 1990s, or during the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's tenure in the early 2000s. Each period, he said, brought its own challenges, but the current environment feels particularly volatile because it coincides with economic uncertainty and ongoing protests. Inflation, unemployment, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have already strained the populace, and a muzzled press only compounds the sense of alienation.

Moreover, the editor pointed to the role of international actors in this scenario. Bangladesh's media landscape has long been influenced by foreign aid and global standards, with organizations like Reporters Without Borders consistently ranking the country low on press freedom indices. In recent years, it has hovered around 150th out of 180 countries, a position that could worsen if the current trends continue. The senior editor called on the international community, including bodies like the United Nations and the European Union, to pressure the interim government to uphold journalistic freedoms. He suggested that without external scrutiny, the cycle of repression could deepen, potentially leading to a full-blown media blackout similar to what has been seen in neighboring Myanmar.

On a more personal note, the editor reflected on the human cost of these developments. Journalists in Bangladesh often work under immense pressure, with low salaries and constant threats to their safety. The recent wave of removals has left many families in financial distress, while those imprisoned face uncertain futures in overcrowded jails. He shared stories of colleagues who have gone into hiding or fled the country, joining a growing diaspora of Bangladeshi journalists seeking asylum abroad. This brain drain, he argued, deprives the nation of critical voices at a time when they are most needed to document history and foster dialogue.

Looking ahead, the senior editor expressed cautious optimism that public awareness and civil society pressure could reverse the tide. He advocated for reforms such as repealing draconian laws that enable arbitrary arrests and establishing independent bodies to oversee media regulations. In his view, true democracy in Bangladesh cannot flourish without a free press, and the current government's actions will be a litmus test for its commitment to change. He urged fellow journalists to remain resilient, emphasizing the importance of solidarity networks and digital platforms that can bypass traditional censorship.

The editor's revelations underscore a pivotal moment for Bangladesh. As the country navigates its path toward elections—potentially in the coming year—the treatment of the media will be a key indicator of whether the revolution sparked by student protests leads to genuine reform or merely a reshuffling of authoritarian tendencies. For now, the press remains on the frontlines, bearing the brunt of political instability while striving to inform the public. The senior editor's words serve as a stark reminder that in the quest for power, the first casualty is often the truth.

This situation also highlights the interconnectedness of media freedom with other societal issues. For example, during the protests, journalists played a vital role in amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, including women and ethnic minorities who have long faced discrimination. Suppressing these narratives not only stifles journalism but also perpetuates inequality. The editor elaborated on how, in rural areas, local reporters are particularly vulnerable, often facing intimidation from powerful landowners or political operatives without the protections afforded to their urban counterparts.

Furthermore, the economic model of Bangladeshi media exacerbates these vulnerabilities. Many outlets rely on government advertisements or corporate sponsorships tied to political affiliations, making them susceptible to influence. The senior editor critiqued this system, suggesting that diversifying funding sources—perhaps through reader-supported models or international grants—could bolster independence. He also touched on the rise of social media as both a boon and a bane: while it allows for rapid dissemination of information, it has also been used to spread misinformation, giving authorities a pretext for crackdowns.

In conclusion, the senior editor's account is a call to action for all stakeholders in Bangladesh's future. As the nation stands at a crossroads, the preservation of press freedom will determine whether it emerges stronger or slips back into cycles of repression. His experiences and warnings provide invaluable insights into the challenges ahead, reminding us that journalism is not just a profession but a pillar of democracy. Only time will tell if the interim government heeds these concerns or continues down a path that could alienate the very people it claims to represent. (Word count: 1,248)

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