Journalists face 1,073 incidents of attack, cases and killings in 15 months: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has stated in a report that incidents of attacks, lawsuits and harassment targeting journalists and media workers have risen alarmingly in Bangladesh over the 15-month period from August 5, 2024; after the fall of the government to November 1, 2025. Based on publicly reported information, the organisation said a total of 1,073 journalists, media workers and their family members have been affected in at least 476 separate incidents.

The findings were presented by TIB’s Outreach and Communication Deputy Coordinator, Jafar Sadik, during a discussion on Tuesday, December 9, held at the TIB office marking International Anti-Corruption Day 2025. The session was titled “Media landscape of Bangladesh after the fall of authoritarianism”.

The report shows that the highest forms of violations were:
* Physical attacks: 459 media workers in 259 incidents
* Termination/suspension: 189 journalists in 5 incidents
* Threats: 99 people in 89 incidents
* Harassment: 70 people in 30 incidents
* Detention: at least 27 media workers in 19 incidents
* Killings: 6 journalists were murdered during the period
* Family-targeted attacks: 17 family members in 9 incidents saw assaults or damage to property

TIB said expectations were that journalism would operate in a freer environment following the end of authoritarian rule, but the 16-month reality has dimmed that hope. Past negative practices have not decreased; instead, they persist in altered forms. Although Bangladesh has slightly improved in the global press freedom index to 149th, no significant progress has been seen in the overall media freedom landscape.

The report further states that after August 5, 2024, major overnight changes took place at media management levels and in senior newsroom positions. These changes were backed by political groups. Editors of at least eight newspapers and heads of news of 11 private TV channels were either removed or forced to resign. Executive editors, chief news editors and other key officials were also replaced in various organisations. In many cases the ownership or new administration tightened control over journalists.

According to recommendations from the Media Reform Commission, leadership changes have occurred in at least 29 media entities. For instance, new politically connected employees and individuals have been appointed to key roles at institutions such as East West Media Group, Daily Janakantha, Ekattor, DBC and Somoy Television.

Although reforms were recommended to end the long-standing practice of granting media licences to individuals linked with ruling political circles, earlier this year the Ministry of Information granted approval for two new channels, Next TV and Live TV, under the same old procedure. Licences for these two channels have been issued to two leaders associated with the National Citizens’ Committee, which led the mass uprising. Meanwhile, the previously shut Channel One has resumed operations and Diganta TV and Amar Desh newspaper are in the process of returning.

Currently, Bangladesh has 3,270 registered newspapers and periodicals. Of these, 34 private TV channels are broadcasting out of a total of more than 50 approved. Additionally, there are 406 registered online news portals.