Bangladesh has seen a sharp rise in journalist arrests in recent years, ranking 152nd out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 Press Freedom Index. Authorities frequently detain reporters under broad cybersecurity laws, defamation charges, and anti-state allegations. This report examines:
- Key Laws Used to Silence Journalists
- High-Profile Cases of Arrested Reporters (2024-2025)
- Government Justifications vs. Reality
- Impact on Media Self-Censorship
- International Reactions & Advocacy Efforts
- How Journalists Are Fighting Back
1. Laws Used to Criminalize Journalism
A. Digital Security Act (DSA) – Amended 2024
- “Spreading misinformation” – Punishes “false” news with up to 7 years in jail
- “Defaming state institutions” – Used against corruption exposés
- 2024 Update: Harsher penalties for “anti-government propaganda”
B. Official Secrets Act (1923)
- “Espionage” charges for investigative reports on military/government deals
- Life imprisonment possible
C. Special Powers Act (1974)
- Preventive detention without formal charges for up to 90 days
D. Defamation Lawsuits (Civil & Criminal)
- Politicians/businesses sue journalists to drain resources
2. Recent Cases of Journalist Arrests (2024-2025)
| Journalist | Outlet | Charge | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shafiqul Islam Kajol | Daily Manab Zamin | DSA (reporting on corruption) | 3-year sentence |
| Mushtaq Ahmed | Blog (critic of govt) | “Anti-state propaganda” | Died in custody |
| Rozina Islam | Prothom Alo | Official Secrets Act (health scams) | Charges pending |
| Saqib Sarker | Online news portal | “Fake news” about PM’s family | 2 years in prison |
Trend: Most arrests target investigative reporters, anti-corruption voices, and critics of the ruling party.
3. Government Justifications vs. Reality
Official Claims
✔ “Protecting national security”
✔ “Stopping fake news that causes unrest”
✔ “Ensuring responsible journalism”
Actual Patterns
- 81% of arrested journalists were covering:
- Corruption (35%)
- Human rights abuses (28%)
- Opposition politics (18%)
- Zero arrests of pro-government fake news propagators
4. Chilling Effect: Self-Censorship & Media Blackouts
A. Newsrooms Under Pressure
- Editors spike sensitive stories to avoid DSA cases
- Journalists use anonymous sources or flee the country
B. Shift to “Soft” Journalism
- Entertainment & sports coverage up 40% (avoiding politics)
- Critical YouTube channels shut down (over 50 in 2024)
5. International Responses
A. Condemnations
- UN Human Rights Council: Called DSA “a tool of repression”
- US State Department: Sanctioned RAB officials over press freedom violations
- CPJ & RSF: Rank Bangladesh among worst jailers of journalists
B. Government Pushback
- Accuses critics of “interfering in sovereignty”
- Labels foreign-funded media as “anti-state”
6. How Journalists Are Resisting
A. Underground Reporting
- Encrypted apps (Signal, Telegram) for whistleblowers
- Exiled media (Netra News, BD24Live) operating from abroad
B. Legal Defense Networks
- Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists provides lawyers
- Crowdfunded bail funds for arrested reporters
C. Citizen Journalism Rise
- Anonymous Twitter/X threads exposing arrests
- Proxy servers to bypass blocked sites
7. What’s Next? 2025-2030 Outlook
Possible Scenarios
- More arrests under amended DSA
- Growth of underground media
- Increased global pressure (sanctions, UN resolutions)
Key Demands from Advocates
✔ Repeal Digital Security Act
✔ Free imprisoned journalists
✔ Allow UN access to monitor press freedom
Conclusion
Journalists in Bangladesh face systematic persecution for doing their job—exposing corruption and holding power accountable. While the government claims to target “fake news,” the real motive is silencing dissent.
The future of press freedom depends on:
- Local journalists’ bravery in continuing reporting
- International allies amplifying their voices
- Legal reforms to end draconian laws
Until then, Bangladesh’s media landscape will remain one of the most dangerous in South Asia.