CPJ urges Bangladesh to drop cases, release jailed journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Bangladesh government to withdraw politically motivated cases against journalists and ensure the immediate release of those detained.

In a letter sent to Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Advocate Asaduzzaman, the New York-based media watchdog urged the government to honour its electoral commitments by dropping charges and freeing detained journalists, including Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Haque Babu and Shyamal Dutta.

CPJ said the journalists have been held for more than 18 months in connection with a murder case, yet authorities have failed to present credible evidence or submit a charge sheet.

The organisation noted that despite nearly 600 days passing, police have not complied with legal requirements to substantiate the allegations, raising concerns that the arrests may have been politically motivated during the previous administration.

The letter also expressed concern over the detainees’ health and conditions. Shyamal Dutta is reportedly suffering from heart disease and severe sleep apnea without adequate treatment, while Mozammel Haque Babu has not received follow-up care after major prostate cancer surgery in late 2023. Farzana Rupa was also reportedly held in a death row cell for two weeks in November 2024.

CPJ urged authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure due process in handling cases involving journalists.