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January 18, 2026 – Bangladesh –
Journalists, editors, and owners of media outlets in Bangladesh have publicly demanded that national authorities provide enhanced protection for the press following a series of violent attacks on major newspapers and escalating threats against media professionals. Their appeal comes amid intensifying political tension and rising hostility toward independent journalism ahead of the country’s February 2026 general elections.
The calls for protective action were voiced during a high-profile conference organised in Dhaka on January 17, 2026, by the Editors Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB). Attendees—including journalists from across the nation—criticised authorities for failing to prevent mob attacks on the offices of two leading national newspapers, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, in December 2025. During those incidents, mobs stormed the publications’ headquarters, set parts of the buildings on fire, and forced staff to seek shelter as they were trapped inside.
Media representatives have described the recent escalation in violence and intimidation as part of a broader pattern of hostility toward the media under the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Critics contend that security forces failed to intervene effectively, despite repeated requests by newspaper authorities for protection during the December attacks. Protesters had reportedly accused the newspapers of alleged political affiliations, intensifying tensions in an already fractious environment.
Speakers at the Dhaka conference argued that the threats to journalists are symptomatic of a deteriorating environment for free expression in Bangladesh, where physical attacks, harassment, and broader hostility against the press have surged. They warned that these trends could have a chilling effect on independent reporting and democratic engagement, especially given the approaching elections.
International observers, including a United Nations expert, described the mob assaults on media outlets and other cultural centres as deeply troubling and urged a prompt, effective investigation into the incidents. The expert emphasised that violence against journalists and artistic voices endangers fundamental freedoms and could undermine democratic processes.
As journalists and media leaders continue to press for accountability and safety guarantees, the situation underscores growing concern over press freedom and the security of media workers in Bangladesh’s volatile political landscape.
Reference –
https://ground.news/article/journalists-in-bangladesh-demand-protection-amid-rising-attacks
Journalists in Bangladesh demand protection amid rising attacks
