The recent surge in violence against journalists in Bangladesh is alarming and demands immediate action from Muhammad Yunus and his interim government. Since the beginning of February, journalists have faced brutal assaults — from beatings with batons and hammers to newsroom invasions — simply for doing their jobs. Both police officers and political activists are among the perpetrators. This wave of violence is not only an attack on individual reporters but also a direct threat to press freedom and democracy.
Despite hopes for change following the interim government’s takeover in August 2024, journalists remain vulnerable. They face intimidation, physical retaliation, and attacks on their workplaces for reporting the truth. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called on Bangladeshi authorities to prosecute those responsible and ensure journalists’ safety. Yunus must answer this call without delay.
The violent pattern is clear. On Feb. 3 in Shariatpur, journalist Shohag Khan from Dainik Samakal was viciously attacked with a hammer and knife after reporting on medical negligence. Three other journalists were injured while trying to protect him. Days later, on Feb. 5, reporters covering a court case in Dhaka were assaulted by political supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The following day, journalists reporting on a protest in the capital were attacked again — this time with no police intervention. Then, on Feb. 9, six journalists covering a student demonstration were beaten by riot police, even after presenting their press credentials.
The violence has come from all directions — protesters, political supporters, and even the police. Such a hostile environment for the press signals a crisis for free expression and public accountability. Journalists should not have to risk their lives to report the truth.
Muhammad Yunus has built his legacy on empowering the voiceless. Now, he must extend that principle to those who give voice to the public. His government must take swift and decisive action to:
- Hold attackers accountable: Every incident of violence against journalists must be fully investigated, and those responsible must face justice.
- Protect journalists at work: Implement measures to ensure journalists can cover protests, court cases, and other public events without fear of harm.
- Prevent police violence: Police officers involved in attacks on reporters must be disciplined, and law enforcement should receive clear directives to safeguard, not silence, the press.
Bangladesh’s journalists are vital to the country’s democracy. When they are silenced through violence, the public loses access to truth and accountability. Yunus, a global advocate for human rights and justice, must act decisively to end this crisis. Press freedom is not just a pillar of democracy — it is its lifeline.