Escalating Violence Against Media in Bangladesh: A Fight for Survival

In Bangladesh, escalating threats against journalists have culminated in a "fight for survival," as described by top media editors following the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader. Hadi, 32, was shot in the head by masked assailants in Dhaka while campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2025. His death on December 18 in a Singapore hospital ignited widespread protests that devolved into violent attacks on major media outlets, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.

UsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesPublishers, political, business leaders protest against mob violenceMob violence raises questions over govt’s moral legitimacy: Debapriya

Hadi was a key figure in the 2024 student-led uprising that resulted in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has since sought refuge in India. The recent violence against media organizations has been fueled by accusations from assailants that these outlets serve the interests of India and Hasina, claims that editors have vehemently denied. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the violence, attributing it to fringe elements and promising justice. However, the attacks have raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the overall state of press freedom in Bangladesh, which ranks 149th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.

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Critics, including Debapriya Bhattacharya, an honorary fellow at the Center for Policy Dialogue, have expressed strong disapproval of the interim government's inaction, arguing that it has lost moral authority amid rising violence. Bhattacharya emphasized that the government, while legitimate, is not elected and must maintain public trust to govern effectively. He noted that citizens have voiced a lack of confidence in the government and law enforcement to ensure their safety, a sentiment echoed by many during recent protests.

Mob violence raises questions over govt’s moral legitimacy: Debapriya

At a protest meeting organized by the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council, The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam highlighted the severity of threats against journalists, stating, "Freedom of expression is no longer the main issue. Now it is about the right to stay alive." The interim government has identified 31 suspects and arrested nine individuals in connection with the attacks, pledging to ensure justice for the affected media organizations.

The Straits Times

As the interim government prepares for the upcoming elections, the safety of journalists remains a pressing concern. Rights groups warn that continued violence against media and activists could further diminish civic space in Bangladesh. The Editors’ Council and NOAB are advocating for thorough investigations into the attacks, emphasizing the need for a secure environment for journalists to operate freely.

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• “On social media, we have seen messages saying journalists of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo should be hunted down and killed in their homes,” — Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star

The Straits Times

• “An unelected government can govern only as long as it retains moral legitimacy.” — Debapriya Bhattacharya, CPD Honorary Fellow

Mob violence raises questions over govt’s moral legitimacy: Debapriya

• “While journalists were at work, setting fire inside the newspaper offices then and preventing the fire service from reaching in time, makes this group’s intentions very clear. They wanted to, in a medieval fashion, surround and burn those whose views differed from theirs, attempting to kill them.” — Nurul Kabir, Editors’ Council President and New Age Editor

Publishers, political, business leaders protest against mob violence

The situation in Bangladesh underscores the precarious state of press freedom and the urgent need for protective measures for journalists amidst rising political tensions.

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