Published: 12:29 AM, 18 August 2026
Three Journalists Face Prosecution Over Crimes Against Humanity
Three detained senior journalists - Farzana Rupa, Shyamal Dutta and Mozammel Haque Babu - are facing possible prosecution in crimes against humanity arising from the July-August 2024 uprising that brought down the Awami League government, amid allegations that they helped encourage or legitimize a harsh state response to the demonstrations.
The three media professionals have been detained in connection with multiple cases related to deaths during the uprising. They have been accused in murder cases stemming from the violence, although the allegations remain to be proved in court.
According to allegations in the cases, Rupa, Dutta and Babu used their positions and influence in the media to support the then Awami League government's response to the demonstrations. Prosecutors allege that their conduct contributed to an environment in which law-enforcement agencies were encouraged to take strong action against protesters, resulting in the deaths of many demonstrators during the uprising.
The allegations, however, have not yet been established by a court. The journalists and their supporters have rejected the accusations, while rights and press-freedom groups have raised concerns over the prosecution of journalists in connection with their professional activities.
Rupa, a former principal correspondent of Ekattor Television, was arrested in August 2024. Babu, former managing director and editor-in-chief of Ekattor TV, and Dutta, former editor of Bhorer Kagoj, were detained in September of the same year. Their detention has continued amid investigations and proceedings arising from the unrest.
The cases against the journalists form part of a much broader legal process launched after the fall of the Awami League government. Thousands of cases have been filed over deaths, injuries and other alleged offences committed during the mass demonstrations that eventually forced then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina to leave office.
The International Crimes Tribunal has now ordered the authorities concerned to produce Farzana Rupa, Shyamal Dutta and Mozammel Haque Babu before the court on August 24, 2026, for proceeding related to the allegations against them.
The prosecution is expected to place before the tribunal its allegations concerning the journalists' alleged role during the uprising. Prosecutors may seek to establish whether their statements, broadcasts, editorial positions or other activities amounted to active encouragement of the government's crackdown rather than ordinary journalistic work.
The defence, meanwhile, is expected to argue that journalism, commentary and editorial decisions cannot automatically constitute criminal participation in acts committed by state security forces. The defence may also challenge the evidentiary basis of the allegations and seek appropriate legal safeguards for the detained journalists.
The proceedings are likely to attract considerable attention both in Bangladesh and abroad because of the unusual nature of the allegations. The cases raise difficult questions about where the line should be drawn between journalistic activity, political advocacy and criminal responsibility.
During the 2024 uprising, protesters took to the streets across Bangladesh demanding reforms and later calling for the government's resignation. Security forces responded with force in many locations, and a large number of protesters and other people were killed or injured. The subsequent change of government led to investigations into alleged abuses committed during the crackdown.
The prosecution of individuals accused of contributing to those deaths has become a central part of the post-uprising justice process. Supporters of the cases argue that everyone responsible, regardless of profession or political influence, should face accountability. Critics, however, warn that criminal proceedings must be based on clear evidence of individual wrongdoing and must not be used to punish journalists merely for their opinions or professional associations.
The August 24 hearing could therefore become an important stage in determining how the allegations against Rupa, Dutta and Babu will proceed. The tribunal's handling of the cases will also be closely watched as an indication of how Bangladesh's post-uprising judicial process balances demands for accountability with due process and press freedom.
For now, the three journalists remain accused, not convicted. Any determination of criminal responsibility will ultimately depend on evidence presented before the court and the outcome of the judicial proceedings.
