CPJ writes Yunus to release 4 imprisoned journalists in Bangladesh

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has sent a letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, urging the release of four imprisoned journalists.

The organisation claims the charges against them are retaliatory, lacking credible evidence, and driven by their journalistic and political activities.

The four journalists are Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta.

Ahead of International Human Rights Day on December 10, CPJ sent the letter via email on Monday, appealing to Dr. Yunus to take urgent action to secure their release.

The CPJ letter highlights their dire conditions in Kashimpur Central Jail, where they are confined to 36-square-foot cells with iron bars instead of doors, facing cold, mosquito infestations, and inadequate food and medical care.

The organisation also highlighted that in a November 2024 interview with The Daily Star, Dr. Yunus acknowledged that journalists were being hastily charged with murder cases and that the government had taken initiatives to halt such cases. However, CPJ notes that since Dr. Yunus assumed office on August 8 last year, new murder cases have been filed against these four journalists, and their bail applications have repeatedly been denied.

The letter also expresses concern over a recent murder case filed against their lawyer, Z I Khan Panna.

The organization reminded that freedom of expression is protected under Bangladesh’s Constitution and international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Ahead of International Human Rights Day on December 10, CPJ called for their immediate release to allow them to reunite with their families and resume their work.

According to CPJ, at least 106 journalists are imprisoned across Asia, including 50 in China, 27 in Myanmar, and 16 in Vietnam. Apart from Bangladesh, the organization has also urged the governments of India, Afghanistan, Cambodia, and the Philippines to release detained journalists.