Bangladesh’s press freedom landscape in 2025 presents a paradox of progress and persecution. While the country boasts a vibrant media ecosystem with over 100 TV channels and 1,200+ newspapers, journalists face unprecedented threats from legal harassment, violence, and censorship. This comprehensive analysis examines:
- Current Press Freedom Rankings (2025)
- Laws Restricting Media Freedom
- Attacks on Journalists & Censorship Trends
- Government Stance vs. Reality
- Impact of Digital Authoritarianism
- Survival Strategies for Independent Media
- Future Projections & Advocacy Efforts
1. Press Freedom Rankings: Bangladesh’s Global Standing
2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Index
- Rank: 152nd out of 180 countries (down from 146th in 2020)
- Score: 45.3/100 (“Difficult Situation” category)
- Regional Comparison:
- India: 140th
- Pakistan: 157th
- Nepal: 76th
Key Factors in the Decline
✔ Increased use of Digital Security Act (DSA) against journalists
✔ Physical attacks on reporters covering protests
✔ State advertising used to control media outlets
2. Legal Framework: Tools of Media Suppression
A. Digital Security Act (DSA) – Amended 2024
- “False information” prosecutions up 300% since 2020
- Maximum penalty: 7 years for “defaming state institutions”
- 2024 Amendment: Expanded definition of “cyber terrorism”
B. Official Secrets Act (1923)
- Used against investigative journalists exposing corruption
- Case Study: Rozina Islam (Prothom Alo) charged for health sector reporting
C. Broadcast Policy 2024
- Bans “anti-state narratives” on electronic media
- Mandates pre-approval for sensitive topics
3. Attacks on Journalists: 2024-2025 Data
Physical Violence
- 32 reported attacks (Jan-Aug 2025)
- 5 journalists killed since 2020 (no convictions)
Arbitrary Detentions
- 18 journalists currently jailed under DSA
- Average detention period: 11 months without trial
Online Harassment
- 68% of female journalists face gendered cyberbullying
- Government-aligned troll armies target critics
4. Government Narrative vs. Ground Reality
Official Claims
✔ “Media enjoys complete freedom”
✔ “Laws prevent fake news, not legitimate journalism”
✔ “No journalist persecuted for their work”
Documented Cases
- Channel 24 suspended for 7 days over corruption report
- Daily Star editor interrogated for “economic destabilization” story
- YouTube news channels blocked (57 in 2024)
5. Digital Authoritarianism: New Frontiers of Censorship
A. Internet Shutdowns
- 14 incidents in 2024 (student protests, elections)
- Average duration: 72 hours
B. Surveillance Regime
- Mandatory SIM registration for journalists
- Pegasus-like spyware found on activists’ phones
C. Algorithmic Control
- Pro-government content boosted on social media
- Independent media shadow-banned
6. How Media Is Adapting: Survival Strategies
A. Exile Journalism
- Netra News (Sweden-based)
- BD24Live (UK-operated)
B. Encrypted Reporting
- Signal, Telegram groups for source protection
- Blockchain-based publishing experiments
C. Revenue Diversification
- Reader-funded models replacing ads
- Underground distribution of print editions
7. Future Outlook: 2025-2030 Projections
Potential Scenarios
- Further DSA amendments tightening controls
- More media outlets turning pro-govt for survival
- International sanctions on media suppressors
Key Battlegrounds
✔ Supreme Court challenges to repressive laws
✔ Global pressure through UN human rights mechanisms
✔ Youth-led digital resistance movements
Conclusion: A Precarious Balance
Bangladesh’s press freedom in 2025 hangs in a dangerous equilibrium between constitutional promises and authoritarian practices. While the country maintains a façade of media pluralism, the reality is one of structured suppression where:
- Critical journalism = criminal offense
- Investigative reporting = “economic sabotage”
- Truth-telling = exile or imprisonment
The path forward requires:
- Immediate repeal of draconian laws like DSA
- International protection for threatened journalists
- Local solidarity among media houses
As Bangladesh approaches its next election cycle, the world watches whether its media can survive this existential crisis or succumb to full state capture.