Deterioration of Free Journalism in Bangladesh

Bangladesh in the World Free Media Index

Bangladesh's position in the World Free Media Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (ASF), has seen a concerning decline. As of the latest rankings, Bangladesh stands at 165th among 180 countries, reflecting a two-place drop from the previous year and a significant deterioration over the past decade and a half. This report delves into the factors contributing to this decline, including legal frameworks, political context, and societal attitudes towards journalism.

Factors Contributing to Deterioration

1. Legal Environment: The Digital Security Act (DSA) in Bangladesh has been highlighted as one of the most stringent laws globally concerning journalists' freedom. This legislation enables arrests without warrants and compromises journalists' privacy rights, contributing to a climate of fear and self-censorship among media professionals.

2. Threats and Harassment: Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of journalists facing intimidation, harassment, and violence in Bangladesh. Reports indicate that journalists are routinely subjected to attacks, legal action, and even bribery and obstruction from government officials while performing their duties.

3. Lack of Accountability: Instances such as the arrest and mistreatment of journalist Ariful Islam Regan, who faced retaliation for exposing corruption, underscore the lack of accountability within the administration. Despite widespread protests, perpetrators often evade justice, exacerbating journalists' vulnerability to reprisals for their work.

4. Economic Pressures: Media owners' increasing influence over editorial content and their prioritization of commercial interests over journalistic integrity pose significant challenges to independent reporting. The media landscape is characterized by a lack of job security for journalists and inadequate remuneration, further compromising their autonomy and professionalism.

5. Societal Attitudes: Divisions within journalist unions and a culture of fear among media professionals contribute to self-censorship and inhibit open discourse. Additionally, corporate ownership of media outlets exacerbates the influence of vested interests, constraining the diversity of perspectives represented in the media landscape.

Despite assertions from government officials and some media figures, the reality on the ground paints a stark picture of the challenges facing journalists in Bangladesh. The erosion of press freedom not only undermines democratic principles but also hampers the public's access to accurate information and accountability. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts to reform legal frameworks, safeguard journalists' rights, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability within the media industry. Only through such measures can Bangladesh reverse its decline in press freedom and uphold the fundamental tenets of democracy and free expression.