Bangladesh’s journalists continue to face violence and intimidation during the country’s fragile transition. Odhikar documented 242 attacks on journalists over the past 14 months, including 34 in September — the highest monthly figure.
Reporters covering protests and security operations say threats now come not only from authorities but also from mobs aligned with political groups. Media watchdogs warn that shrinking press freedom undermines public accountability and erodes trust in the interim government.
“Journalists are being treated as targets, not witnesses,” Odhikar said in its latest report. Human rights groups have urged the government to investigate attacks and guarantee the safety of media workers. Without stronger protections, they warn, the space for independent reporting could close at a moment when transparency is most needed.