88 expatriate journalists protest oppression and censorship in Bangladesh

A group of 88 expatriate journalists, writers, researchers, cultural and rights activists have jointly condemned the escalating repression against journalists in Bangladesh, denouncing what they call “unimaginable torture” and severe curtailment of freedom of speech since August 5 last year.

In a strongly worded statement, the expatriates said that since the caretaker government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, took office 11 months ago, there has been a systematic crackdown on media professionals. According to the statement, at least 412 journalists have been accused in various harassment cases, including murder charges; 39 journalists have been arrested; and more than 300 face travel bans. Additionally, over 100 journalists’ bank accounts have been frozen, and hundreds have lost their press accreditation or been dismissed from their jobs.

The statement also highlighted unprecedented actions such as the suspension and expulsion of journalists from press clubs—including the National Press Club—and the takeover of media outlets, which the group described as “shameful and deplorable.”

Despite several journalists being killed and many injured during the protests in July and August last year, the expatriate group claims that the government has failed to provide any support to victims or their families. Instead, they allege that repression has intensified, with disturbing incidents such as mobs attacking newspaper offices.

The statement stresses the psychological, social, and economic toll on journalists and their families, describing the current situation as a severe blow to the country’s democratic values and international reputation.

“We consider it our moral duty to speak out against these injustices,” said Shawgat Ali Sagar, one of the signatories and editor-in-chief of Natun Desh in Canada. “This kind of oppression has never happened before in Bangladesh’s history, nor is it seen in democratic societies anywhere else.”

The expatriates expressed deep disappointment that these events are unfolding under the leadership of a Nobel laureate and among advisors who previously championed journalists’ rights.

The group calls for an immediate end to the persecution of journalists and the restoration of free speech in Bangladesh.

Notable endorsers include senior journalists, award-winning writers, poets, human rights activists, university professors, and former freedom fighters. Among them are:

Syed Badrul Ahsan, Senior Journalist, Researcher & Writer, UK

Dr. Mukid Chowdhury, Fiction Writer, Essayist & Researcher, UK

Sujat Mansur, Journalist & Essayist, UK

Ashekun Nabi Chowdhury, Journalist, UK

Syed Anas Pasha, Journalist & Editor, Satyabani, UK

Mohammad Mokis Mansur, Journalist & Chairman, UK BD TV, UK

Syed Enamul Islam, Former Editor, Weekly Sylheter Dak, UK

T M Ahmad Kaiser, Poet & Founder, Saudha, UK

Jesmin Chowdhury, Human Rights & Social Justice Activist, UK

Sofia Zaher, Poet, UK

Syed Hilal Saif, Journalist & Rhymester, UK

Dr. Raihan Rashid, Lawyer & Rights Activist, UK

Dr. Nowrin Tamanna, Lawyer, Rights Activist & Teacher, University of Reading, UK

Warda Islam, Lawyer & Rights Activist, UK

Mursalin Mizan, Journalist, UK

Tushar Ahmed, Rights Activist, UK

Hamid Mohammad, Journalist & Poet, UK

Sabbir Khan, Journalist & Writer, Sweden

Aktar Jaman, Writer, Sweden

Delwar Hossain, Journalist, Sweden

Jahanara Nuri, Journalist, Sweden

Bandhan Munshi, Blogger & Activist, Germany

Marjan Pradhan, Rights Activist, Germany

Azam Khan, Blogger & Activist, Switzerland

Bir Muktijoddha Dr. Nurun Nabi, Ekushey Award-Winning Writer & Scientist, USA

Bir Muktijoddha Dr. Zinat Nabi, Scientist & Social Thinker, USA

Bir Muktijoddha Tajul Imam, Lyricist, Composer & Singer, USA

Bir Muktijoddha Syed Mahmudullah, Columnist, USA

Bir Muktijoddha Subrata Biswas, Columnist, USA

Kulda Roy, Fiction Writer, USA

Hasan Al Abdullah, Poet & Essayist, USA

Sheila Mostafa, Poet, USA

Professor Dr. Neeru K. Nahar, Writer & Teacher, Ohio State University, USA

Dr. Md. Abu Naser Rajib, Professor & Chairperson, Communications Department, California State University, Bakersfield, USA

Dr. Raihan Jamil, Educator, Researcher & Writer, USA

Sejan Mahmud, Writer, Lyricist, Columnist & Medical Scientist, USA

Sultana Rahman, Journalist & Presenter, USA

Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Journalist & Writer, USA

Lutfun Nahar Lata, Writer & Actress, USA

Farzahan Rahman Shawon, Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Northern New Mexico College, USA

Fakir Ilyas, Poet, USA

Farhana Ilyas Tuli, Poet, USA

Syed Zakir Ahmed Roni, Actor & Dramatist, USA

Dr. Anjuman A Islam, Water & Environmental Engineer, Researcher & Columnist, USA

Obaidullah Mamun, Writer & Researcher, USA

Swapnil Firoz, Poet, USA

Khaled Sarfuddin, Poet, USA

Smriti Bhadra, Fiction Writer & Teacher, USA

Taimur Faruk Tushar, Journalist & Presenter, USA

Bikash Majumdar, Rights Activist, USA

Puspita Anindita, Rights Activist, USA

Minhaj Ahmed, Writer, USA

Manjur Kader, Writer, USA

GHR Arju, Cultural Worker & Organizer, USA

Mithun Ahmed, Cultural Worker & Organizer, USA

Cecilia Moral, Cultural Worker & Organizer, USA

Sabina Neeru, Recitation Artist & Cultural Worker, USA

Abu Said Ratan, Writer, USA

Mujahid Ansari, Columnist, USA

Delwar Elahi, Poet & Cultural Worker, USA

Kaushik Ahmed, Journalist & Essayist, USA

Aslam Ahmad Khan, Journalist & Writer, USA

Clara Rosario, Recitation Artist, USA

Annie Ferdous, Cultural Organizer, USA

Shakilur Rahman, Journalist, USA

Nahar Trina, Fiction Writer, USA

Sagar Lohani, Journalist & Editor, Bangaliyana, USA

Salma Bani, Fiction Writer, Canada

Saifullah Mahmud Dulal, Poet, Canada

Shawgat Ali Sagar, Journalist & Chief Editor, Notun Desh, Canada

Harun Al Rashid, Fiction Writer & Former Diplomat, Canada

Khandakar Ismail, Journalist & Presenter, Canada

Shayla Ahmed Lopa, Rights Activist, Canada

Afsana Kishwar Lochan, Journalist & Presenter, Canada

Dr. Shamim Ahmed Jitu, Economist, Researcher & Writer, Canada

Dr. Mohammad Mahmud Hasan Tipu, Associate Professor, Law & Legal Studies Department, Carleton University, Canada

Abdullah Al Imran, Journalist & Fiction Writer, Canada

Parvez Chowdhury, Poet & Media Personality, Canada

Abdullah Al Mamun, Writer & PhD Researcher, Canada

Nadim Iqbal, Documentary & Filmmaker, Canada

Sohel Saleh, Writer & Banker, Canada

Fazlul Bari, Journalist, Australia

Dr. Tariq Zaman, Scientist & Writer, Australia

Ajay Das Gupta, Essayist, Columnist, Rhymester & Media Personality, Australia

Abul Hasnat Milton, Poet & Physician, Australia

Akash Anwar, Cultural Personality & Founder, Bangla Academy Australia

Arifur Rahman, Fiction Writer, Australia