Every year on November 2, the global community observes the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Despite the awareness raised about the dangers faced by journalists worldwide, they continue to be targeted or killed while carrying out their duties, often without facing any consequences. This culture of impunity not only results in loss of lives but also undermines trust in accountability mechanisms, encourages self-censorship, and emboldens those who operate in secrecy.
In Bangladesh, journalism is inherently risky. Journalists, whether local reporters or prominent figures in the national media, frequently encounter harassment, intimidation, legal challenges, disappearances, and even fatalities. The unresolved murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi in 2012 epitomizes the delayed justice prevailing in the country. Despite diminishing public outrage, attacks on journalists persist.
Over the past two years, several journalists have lost their lives. Khandaker Shah Alam of Daily Matrijagat was slain in a targeted assault in Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria, in June 2025. In August, Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin, a 38-year-old reporter, was brutally killed with machetes in Gazipur after reportedly filming armed men chasing an individual. Hasan Mehedi of the Dhaka Times was murdered in Jatrabari while covering a student-led uprising in 2024. Similarly, in Sylhet, two journalists—Abu Taher Md Turab and Shakil Hossain—were shot dead around the same time. Apart from these tragic incidents, numerous journalists have faced arrests, injuries, online defamation, financial restrictions, legal harassment, and threats to their families for exposing corruption, criminal activities, or abuses of power.
Following the 2024 uprising, there was a hopeful period where it seemed that justice would prevail over the prevailing atmosphere of fear. A more open media landscape emerged, raising expectations for overdue investigations into crimes against journalists. However, 14 months later, it is evident that mere political changes are insufficient to eradicate deep-rooted impunity. When law enforcement can be swayed by vested interests and institutions lack protection from external pressures, those targeting journalists will persist in their belief that they can act with impunity.
Recently, threats against journalists, particularly women journalists, have increasingly migrated to the digital realm, with organized campaigns aimed at undermining their morale and tarnishing their reputations. Despite the repeal of the controversial Digital Security Act, the inclination to suppress journalism remains prevalent.
As Bangladesh approaches a national election, there is an opportunity to redirect the course of journalist protection, recognizing it as a fundamental democratic right. Political parties must commit to establishing formal protection mechanisms, providing safety training for high-risk reporting, ensuring prompt and impartial investigations into attacks on media personnel, reforming laws to prevent legal provisions from being weaponized against the media, and establishing a permanent independent oversight body to monitor violations and propose accountability measures. These are not partisan requests but essential conditions for a functioning democracy.
Despite repeated assurances, no government or political party has implemented the necessary structural safeguards for journalists. The failure to act on recommendations such as creating an independent National Media Commission following the July uprising has left journalists vulnerable to intimidation, threats, and arbitrary retaliation. Without substantial reforms, the notion of “press freedom” remains a hollow sentiment, failing to provide the protection journalists desperately need.
Media leaders must also assess the current landscape and ensure that journalists taking risks are not abandoned. News organizations should invest in legal assistance, safety protocols, and editorial independence to prevent internal censorship driven by commercial or political interests. A compromised media environment, even with adequate resources or nominal freedom, cannot effectively hold those in power accountable, safeguard journalists, or serve the public interest with integrity.
Society must acknowledge that attacks on journalists equate to attacks on the right to information. Every significant expose on public irregularities, land seizures, police misconduct, financial corruption, or healthcare malpractice commences with a courageous reporter willing to face risks most citizens never encounter. When journalists are harmed or threatened, and wrongdoers go unpunished, society suffers, and unchecked power prevails.
Bangladesh stands at a critical crossroads, with its political future uncertain. While authorities aim to portray a vision of democratic rejuvenation and stability, true stability—essential for safeguarding the economy and international reputation—hinges on truth, not fear. If a democracy fails to protect those unveiling threats to people’s rights, it cannot uphold those rights. It is imperative to prevent a future where justice and truth falter, endangering democracy. This is especially crucial as the nation approaches an election that will define its trajectory.
To uphold Bangladesh’s standing among democracies, it is crucial to staunchly defend those safeguarding our right to information. This duty is collective, and the time for action is now.