We, the undersigned civil society organisations, welcome the opportunity to submit this joint statement to the Human Rights Council ahead of Session 59 to highlight the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh and violations of the right to freedom of expression in the context of elections in Bangladesh. Following the August 2024 political transition, the country faces ongoing threats to freedom of expression, press freedom, and civic space, requiring urgent and sustained international attention.
We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s timely report, which provides a clear pathway for governments worldwide to uphold the right to freedom of expression, and ultimately democracy, during elections in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Though Bangladesh’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press under article 39, these rights have been increasingly undermined by restrictive laws, political repression, and attacks on journalists and dissenters.
Freedom of expression and digital repression
Since the Digital Security Act (DSA) was enacted in 2018, freedom of expression in Bangladesh has been heavily repressed. Between 2018 and 2023, ARTICLE 19 recorded 736 DSA cases, including 135 against journalists, leading to over 1,300 charges and 427 arrests – 267 of whom were journalists. The law has been used to intimidate and silence journalists, human rights defenders, and citizens reporting on corruption and abuses, severely undermining independent journalism.
In 2023, authorities repealed the DSA and replaced it with the Cyber Security Act (CSA), which retained many repressive provisions from the DSA.[1] Despite criticism and promises to repeal the CSA after the July Uprising, the large pro-democracy protest movement that took place in July 2024, the act remains intact, and new cases have been filed recently[2].The interim government, which was formed in August 2024, approved the Cyber Security Ordinance to address flaws, though concerns persist over certain provisions and their impact on freedom of expression.
Escalating violations in 2024
In the first half of 2024, ARTICLE 19 documented 232 freedom of expression violations affecting 337 journalists, 13 human rights defenders, and 118 civilians. Physical assaults and threats against journalists increased, with authorities continuing to use the Cyber Security Act to target media professionals.
The crisis intensified following the July Uprising[3] and the transitional government taking office on 5 August 2024. Between July and December, 151 further violations were recorded, affecting an unprecedented 1,430 journalists. Key incidents included:
- 71 physical attacks on 382 journalists
- 41 cases of legal harassment targeting 406 journalists
- 5 journalist fatalities[4]
- 12 threats and 4 gender-based attacks against women journalists
- Raids on at least 12 media outlets[5]
Journalists have been charged with serious criminal offences, including murder, frequently through politically motivated or coerced complaints.[6] In one case alone, 28 journalists were accused of abetment of mass killing.[7] In certain instances, the complainants had no knowledge of the accused individuals. They either filed the cases under the influence of others or simply signed complaint papers prepared by other people.[8] The attacks on journalists have continued.[9]
Targeted attacks on media institutions and journalists
Since 5 August 2024, media outlets and journalist organisations in Bangladesh have experienced significant changes and threats to their future.[10] Broadcast Journalist Center, Bangladesh, a nationwide broadcast journalists’ organisation, issued a statement expressing concern that many journalists lost their jobs due to forceful possession of media houses.[11] On 22 August 2024, Ekattor TV journalists Shakil Ahmed and Farzana Rupa were attacked on court premises. The perpetrators struck Rupa on the head and lawyers and bystanders chanted insults.[12] Government officials continued to pressure media institutions, publicly framing independent reporting as a threat to national stability. In one meeting, a government adviser openly suggested limiting media freedom in the name of protecting national interests.[13] The interim government of Bangladesh has publicly justified the arrests of certain journalists by alleging their complicity with the previous authoritarian regime. The Information Adviser asserted that journalists and writers who legitimised fascism and incited mass killings through their writings would be held accountable, emphasising that no one would be spared due to their profession.[14] Similarly, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary accused a group of journalists of collaborating with the ‘fascist regime’ for personal gains, manipulating facts, and crafting false narratives to legitimise killings.[15]
Gendered violence and hate speech
Women journalists in Bangladesh have faced heightened risks, including targeted online harassment, physical threats, and smear campaigns.[16] Hate speech against media professionals, particularly those perceived to hold dissenting views, has escalated alarmingly, with efforts to publicly discredit and marginalise journalists from professional and public life.[17]
Electoral integrity and democratic participation
The 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections were characterised by allegations of electoral malpractice, voter suppression, intimidation, and politically motivated violence. The 2024 election process was further marred by enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and systematic disinformation campaigns. The lack of independence within the Election Commission, alongside politicised law enforcement and a politicised judiciary, has further eroded public confidence in electoral institutions. Following the January 2024 elections in Bangladesh, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) documented 752 incidents of electoral violence between November 2023 and January 2024, leaving 17 dead and over 2,500 injured. Post-election unrest saw attacks on over 450 homes and businesses, with minority communities, especially Hindus, targeted in at least 12 districts.[18]
Marginalised groups – including women, youth, gender diverse communities, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities – continue to face significant barriers to political participation and public representation.[19]
The interim government’s reform process in Bangladesh has faced criticism for its lack of inclusivity, particularly concerning the underrepresentation of women and ethnic and religious minorities.[20] Digital connectivity remains a major challenge for women in Bangladesh, with socio-cultural norms and economic barriers limiting their access to technology and digital opportunities.[21]
Impunity and lack of accountability
Despite the scale and gravity of violations against journalists, activists, and civil society actors throughout 2024, no credible investigations have been undertaken. Perpetrators of violence, including those responsible for attacks on media outlets and journalists, continue to enjoy impunity.[22] The interim government formed a Media Reform Commission in November 2024 to review the state of media freedom and regulation in Bangladesh, which submitted its report in March 2025, offering key recommendations to promote media independence, accountability, and journalist protections.[23]
Recommendations
In view of the deteriorating human rights environment in Bangladesh, we respectfully urge the Human Rights Council and its Member States to:
- Call upon the Government of Bangladesh to reform laws relating to the digital landscape, in particular, the Telecommunication Act 2001, to align them with international human rights standards.
- Establish an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the 2024 incidents of violence against journalists, human rights defenders, and media outlets.
- Demand an immediate end to arbitrary arrests, legal harassment, and intimidation of journalists, activists, and civil society leaders, ensuring full respect for due process and legal safeguards.
- Support the establishment of a National Press Freedom Commission mandated to monitor violations, investigate attacks, and propose institutional safeguards for media workers.
- Strengthen protections for women journalists and marginalised groups, including through gender-responsive policies, anti-discrimination measures, and targeted capacity-building initiatives.
- Ensure accountability for all human rights violations committed by state and non-state actors through impartial investigations, prosecutions, and reparations for victims.
- Facilitate inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue involving government, civil society, independent media, and international partners to safeguard civic freedoms and democratic norms, both online and offline.
- Promote inclusive political participation by addressing legal, structural, and social barriers faced by marginalised communities, including women, gender and sexual minorities, and ethnic minorities.
- Maintain robust international monitoring of Bangladesh’s compliance with its constitutional and international human rights obligations, with regular reporting to the Human Rights Council.
- Ensure the safety, security, and professional independence of journalists and media workers, particularly during periods of political transition and social unrest.
Endorsed and signed by:
ARTICLE 19
Free Press Unlimited
Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)
Attma Shahajjo Karmasuchi (SHP)
Centre for Governance Studies (CGS)
Bangladesh Disabled Development Trust Development Society (DS)
Chandradip Development Society (CDS)
Samajik Unnayan Sangstha (SUS)
Report171.com
South Asia Center for Media in Development (SACMID)
Chayatal Bangladesh
Light House
Noboprobhaat Foundation
Sakaler Kagoj
SoMaSHTe – Society of Media and Suitable Human-communication 2Techniques Trust
The Daily Matobad, Barishal
Unite Theatre for Social Action (UTSA)
Dataful
Badabon Sangho
Switch Bangladesh Foundation
The Daily Nawroj
The Daily Probaha
Bikrampur Chita, Munshiganj
Chinnomul Manob Kallayan Society (CMKS)
DHRUBA
Community Welfare Foundation (CWF)
ipnewsbd
Ajker Arban
ABALAMBAN
BetterStories Limited
SOURCES
[1] https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa13/8332/2024/en/
[2] https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/375439/dsa-victims-network-govt-undermining-july?utm
[3] The July Uprising of 2024 in Bangladesh was a pivotal student-led movement that began in early July, initially protesting a controversial civil service quote system perceived as favoring the ruling elite. The protests rapidly escalated into a nationwide call for democratic reforms, culminating in the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024. An interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus was formed on 8 August 2024.
[4] https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/journo-killed-sirajganj-3669876
[5] https://rsf.org/en/political-crisis-bangladesh-rsf-calls-interim-government-protect-journalists ; see more at https://www.dw.com/bn/হামলার-কবলে-সাংবাদিক-ও-সংবাদমাধ্যম/a-69955165
[6] https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/withdraw-murder-charges-against-journalists-3690781 ; see more at https://bangla.bdnews24.com/bangladesh/a55b0f000025
[7] https://www.voabangla.com/a/7764024.html ; see more at https://bangla.bdnews24.com/bangladesh/a55b0f000025
[8] https://samakal.com/bangladesh/article/254884/পঁচিশ-দিনে-১৪২-মামলা-হাসিনার-নামেই-১২৬
[9] https://www.article19.org/resources/bangladesh-interim-government-should-protect-freedom-of-expression-and-opinion/
[10] https://www.dw.com/bn/হামলার-কবলে-সাংবাদিক-ও-সংবাদমাধ্যম/a-69955165
[11] https://www.jugantor.com/index.php/national/842681
[12] https://www.observerbd.com/news/486422 ; see more at https://www.jagonews24.com/en/national/news/76519
[13] https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/jx6dmk9m30
[14] https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/70f324334e4f?utm
[15] https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/home/journalists-serve-fascist-regime-for-self-interest-shafiqul?utm
[16] https://www.apc.org/en/blog/seeding-change-online-safety-key-work-journalists-women-and-human-rights-defenders-bangladesh?utm ; see more at https://cgs-bd.com/article/27295/The-Future-of-Bangladesh’s-Fragile-Media-Freedom and https://rsf.org/en/bangladesh-violent-attacks-journalists-are-surging-government-must-take-action
[17] https://www.hrw.org/report/2025/01/27/after-monsoon-revolution/roadmap-lasting-security-sector-reform-bangladesh ; see more at https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/july-uprising-state-forces-al-perpetrated-gender-based-violence-3825011
[18] https://hrssbd.org/news_details/31/election-violence-2024?utm
[19] https://freedomhouse.org/country/bangladesh/freedom-world/2025?utm
[20] https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/chmkf77ra6?utm See more at https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/bangladesh-european-union-and-bangladesh-hold-11th-joint-commission-meeting_en?utm
[21] https://bigd.bracu.ac.bd/from-crisis-to-connectivity-empowering-bangladeshs-women-in-the-digital-age/?utm
[22] https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/the-third-view/news/ending-impunity-crimes-against-journalists-3752941
[23] https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/media-reform-commission-submits-report-chief-adviser-1098841?utm.