Published: 11:34 PM, 27 August 2026
Repressive Police Cases on Journalists Should Be Immediately Withdrawn
Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Journalists have a duty to inform citizens, question those in power and report matters of public interest. In Bangladesh, however, journalists have increasingly faced criminal cases, arrests, harassment and prolonged legal proceedings. Repressive and politically motivated police cases against journalists should therefore be reviewed immediately and withdrawn wherever there is no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Following the political upheaval of 2024, numerous journalists were accused in murder and other criminal cases. The Editors’ Council reported in February 2026 that many journalists had been subjected to false and harassment cases, leaving some in prison while others were forced to appear in court repeatedly. It said such cases were disrupting professional journalism and undermining an independent media environment. The continued detention of several prominent journalists has also raised serious concerns. Human Rights Watch, ARTICLE 19, Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists and CIVICUS called on the Bangladesh government in July 2026 to drop proceedings against journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu where their journalism was the basis for prosecution.
The organizations argued that criminalizing reporting and editorial decisions creates a chilling effect on the entire media sector. Journalists must not receive special protection from legitimate criminal investigation. If a journalist commits a genuine crime, the law should apply equally. But journalism itself cannot be treated as a crime. Allegations must be supported by credible evidence, and every accused person must receive due process and a fair hearing. The United Nations has also stressed that criminal cases against journalists should be reviewed and that unsubstantiated charges should be withdrawn. The government should establish an independent review mechanism to examine all cases filed against journalists, particularly those involving prolonged detention or multiple First Information Reports. Cases without sufficient evidence should be withdrawn without delay. Journalists should also be protected from arbitrary arrest, intimidation and unnecessary legal harassment. A free media is not an enemy of the state. Rather, it helps a democratic government identify corruption, expose wrongdoing and understand citizens’ concerns.
Bangladesh needs responsible journalism as it seeks to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law. The government should therefore act decisively. Repressive and politically motivated police cases against journalists should be immediately withdrawn, while legitimate cases should proceed through transparent judicial processes. Protecting journalists is ultimately about protecting the public’s right to know—and safeguarding Bangladesh’s democratic future.
