試す - 無料

Journalism in Bangladesh still fighting for its voice

The Island

|

August 16, 2025

Following the mass uprising of 2024, many in Bangladesh thought that a fresh dawn would emerge over the nation's long-troubled media landscape. The overthrow of an oppressive regime provided a glimpse of hope for increased press freedom, accountability, and an end to years of political and legal persecution of journalists.

- BY ZILLUR RAHMAN

Instead, one year after that momentous occasion, Bangladeshi media is still under political, institutional and psychological pressure.

Over 250 cases have been brought against journalists, nationwide, in the last 12 months alone. While some of these examples seem to be intentional attempts to strangle critical reporting, others are the result of straightforward social media posts. There is no denying the trend: journalists who challenge authority continue to suffer significant consequences.

It may be argued that journalists can be protected from unfair prosecution and protracted harassment, either politically motivated or contrived, by the recently adopted Section 173A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898. The new clause allows for the discharge of an accused during investigation if a high-ranking police officer, supervising the probe, asks for an interim investigation report, and it reveals insufficient evidence against the accused. The question, however, remains whether this mechanism will be employed selectively or impartially.

In addition to legal consequences, the profession was recently rocked by the horrific killing of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin while on duty on 07 August. The incident served as a sober reminder that speaking the truth can be deadly. The day before, another journalist, named Anwar Hossain, came under brutal attack while trying to report on extortion at a CNG-run auto-rickshaw stand in Gazipur. These instances are not unique; they are part of an increasing trend of violence and intimidation aimed at stifling the media. The profession as a whole receives a terrifying message: be quiet or suffer the repercussions.

The Island からのその他のストーリー

The Island

Seneviratne five-for blows Nepal away

It was a run-out that started it all after Sri Lanka Under-19s captain Vimath Dinsara asked Nepal Under-19s to bat first in their Group B game at the Under-19s Asia Cup.

time to read

1 mins

December 15, 2025

The Island

Goodbye - but only for now? Salah signs off as questions remain

Mohamed Salah took everything in at full-time of Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton, applauding all four sides of Anfield while home fans serenaded their Egyptian king' with his familiar song.

time to read

3 mins

December 15, 2025

The Island

Lasting power and beauty of words

Novelists, poets, short story writers, lyricists, politicians and columnists use words for different purposes.

time to read

5 mins

December 15, 2025

The Island

The Island

Prada to launch $930 'Made in India' Kolhapuri sandals after backlash

Global fashion brand Prada has announced a line of limited-edition footwear inspired by Indian-made Kolhapuri sandals, known as chappal in India.

time to read

2 mins

December 15, 2025

The Island

H’tota Port: Maiden visit of mega cruise ship Mein Schiff 6

Hambantota International Port (HIP) welcomed cruise ship Mein Schiff 6 on its maiden call at the port on 3rd December, marking another significant step in the port's growing prominence as a South Asian cruise destination.

time to read

1 mins

December 15, 2025

The Island

US: Two dead, eight injured in Brown University shooting; suspect still at large

At least two people were killed and eight others injured following an active shooting at Brown University's Barus & Holley Engineering Building on Saturday (local time), the university said in an official alert, with the suspect still at large.

time to read

2 mins

December 15, 2025

The Island

ComBank to further empower women-led enterprises with NCGIL

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to advancing women's empowerment and financial inclusion, by partnering with the National Credit Guarantee Institution Limited (NCGIL) as a Participating Shareholder Institution (PSI) in the newly introduced 'Liya Shakthi' credit guarantee scheme, designed to support women-led enterprises across Sri Lanka.

time to read

1 min

December 15, 2025

The Island

Janaza prayers of Al Haj A J M Ismail Farook of Kahawatte draws people from all communities

On Saturday 13th December 2025, Kahawatte, in the Ratnapura district, mourned across all religious lines, the passing away of a community leader Al Haj A J M Ismail Farook of Kahawatte, who died on Friday after Jumma at his Ward Place residence.

time to read

2 mins

December 15, 2025

The Island

Kapruka posts 77% operating growth as platform strategy accelerates

Kapruka Holdings PLC reported a 77% year-on-year improvement in operating performance for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, marking a second consecutive quarter of strong results.

time to read

1 min

December 15, 2025

The Island

Dreamron aids disaster-hit beauty salons in recovery

Sri Lankan cosmetics firm Dreamron has launched a CSR project to help communities rebuild after natural disasters.

time to read

1 min

December 15, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size