Journalists, editors, and media owners in Bangladesh called on the interim government Saturday to ensure their safety following a series of mob attacks on leading national dailies.
Industry leaders expressed concern over the systematic targeting of media outlets under the administration of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. They specifically criticized the government's failure to prevent violent assaults on the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in December.
During a joint conference organized by the Editors Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), speakers highlighted a "dangerous pattern" of intimidation. Nurul Kabir, President of the Editors Council and Editor of New Age, urged unity among journalists to defend democratic institutions.
"Those seeking to suppress the vehicles of democratic aspirations are using a combination of restrictive laws, force, and intimidation," Kabir stated.
The December attacks saw mobs storm newspaper offices and set fire to buildings following the death of an Islamist activist. Journalists were trapped inside, and property was looted before security forces eventually intervened.
The United Nations and human rights organizations have voiced alarm over these developments. UN expert Irene Khan warned that the "weaponization of public anger" against the press could have a "chilling effect" on media freedom and dissenting voices as the country prepares for the February elections.
While Muhammad Yunus assumed office with a promise of stability following the August 2024 uprising, his administration faces mounting criticism from groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
Concerns include the failure to uphold civil rights and the arrest of dozens of journalists on murder charges related to the 2024 uprising. Media advocates argue that while accountability is necessary, the current environment risks silencing independent journalism through mass litigation and mob violence.
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