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April 27, 2026 – Bangladesh –
The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Bangladesh’s newly formed government to fulfill its election commitment to protect press freedom by releasing imprisoned journalists and withdrawing what it describes as politically motivated charges. The appeal was made in a formal letter addressed to Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, highlighting growing international concern over the treatment of media professionals in the country.
According to CPJ, four journalists — Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Haq Babu, and Shyamal Dutta — remain detained despite what the organization describes as a lack of credible evidence supporting the charges against them. The group urged authorities to drop the cases entirely and ensure their immediate release.
The organization emphasized that all four journalists have been held for more than 18 months, many in connection with murder allegations that have not resulted in formal charge sheets or substantiated evidence. CPJ stated that its findings, along with testimonies from families and independent legal assessments, raise serious doubts about the legitimacy of the prosecutions.
The appeal is tied directly to commitments made during the country’s recent political transition, when the incoming government pledged to reform media-related policies and end the use of legal mechanisms to target journalists. CPJ argued that fulfilling this promise is essential to restoring confidence in Bangladesh’s commitment to press freedom and the rule of law.
The cases have become emblematic of broader concerns about the legal environment for journalists in Bangladesh, where critics say criminal charges are increasingly used as tools of intimidation. Press freedom groups have warned that prolonged detention without credible evidence undermines due process and creates a chilling effect on independent reporting.
CPJ further noted that continued inaction could damage Bangladesh’s international standing and weaken trust in its democratic institutions. The organization urged authorities not only to release the detained journalists but also to ensure that future legal actions against media professionals adhere to international standards of fairness and transparency.
As pressure mounts from advocacy groups, the response of the Bangladeshi government is expected to be closely monitored, with the outcome seen as a key test of its stated commitment to safeguarding press freedom and protecting journalists from politically motivated prosecution.
Reference –
CPJ urges new Bangladesh government to fulfill poll promise and release imprisoned journalists
