CPJ urges political parties to ensure journalists’ safety ahead of election

The Committee to Protect Journalists has urged Bangladesh’s major political parties to safeguard press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists ahead of the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12.

The New York-based international organisation made the appeal through separate letters sent to the parties, according to a statement published on the CPJ website on Thursday.

In the letters, CPJ called on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party and Jatiya Party to publicly commit to protecting journalists during the election period. The appeal includes rejecting violence, intimidation and the misuse of criminal or national security laws against journalists. CPJ also reminded the parties that elected representatives would be expected to uphold these commitments after the election.

The letters said CPJ’s research indicates that risks to journalists rise significantly during pre-election periods. These risks include direct attacks and threats against media outlets, harassment driven by political polarisation and the imprisonment of five journalists whose charges appear linked to their journalistic work or political associations. CPJ also cited mob attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in December, during which journalists were reportedly trapped inside burning buildings.

The report added that reporters, editors and commentators are facing severe digital harassment, ideological labelling, threats and coordinated hate campaigns fuelled by political polarisation. Despite promises of administrative change and media reform, the culture of intimidation used to silence journalists during previous governments has not been fully dismantled.

CPJ further noted that long-standing impunity for violence against journalists and the lack of effective progress on promised media reforms have contributed to an environment of fear and self-censorship.

The CPJ report also mentioned that the former ruling Awami League has not been allowed to contest in the upcoming election.