Bangladesh Media Safety Spotlighted as Election Nears and Legal Support Desk Launches

January 25, 2026 – Bangladesh –

Journalists’ safety and professional protection in Bangladesh have come into sharper focus as the country prepares for its national elections in early 2026. Media professionals and civil society stakeholders recently convened at the Shafiqul Alam Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) to emphasize the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, legal support, and responsible reporting ahead of a period that experts describe as high-risk for press freedom and election coverage.

At the event, media representatives and legal advocates highlighted rising field-level dangers such as legal harassment, uncertainty, and threats that journalists face while covering sensitive political events in the lead-up to the polls. They underscored that increased workload and pressure during the election period heighten risks, making reliable advice on legal rights and protection essential for journalists reporting under challenging circumstances. The gathering marked the official handover of a new Journalist Support Desk, an initiative designed to provide legal guidance and assistance to media workers. The support desk was established by media and communication organization Somosti in partnership with UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF) and will be operated by DRU to offer prompt legal support and referrals as needed.

Speakers noted that journalists who have endured threats while reporting—including those covering past movements where colleagues were killed—often lack basic safety equipment and legal recourse, pointing to systemic gaps in protections. They called for developing risk reduction guidelines and newsroom protocols to help journalists navigate threats professionally and ethically. Representatives emphasized that the Journalist Support Desk will help reporters better understand their rights and access resources to support their work during volatile periods.

These discussions occur against a backdrop of broader concerns over journalist safety in Bangladesh’s political landscape. A recent study surveying local media professionals ahead of the elections found that a large majority expect physical threats, verbal harassment, and intimidation while reporting—and that newsroom preparedness remains low, with limited safety training or digital protections in place. The survey also highlighted gender-specific fears, particularly among women journalists, who anticipate higher risks of harassment.

As the 2026 elections approach, journalists, legal advocates, and press freedom organizations in Bangladesh are advocating for stronger protective frameworks, clearer safety guidelines, and institutional support mechanisms. Their goal is to ensure that the media can continue to operate independently and safely while providing accurate, unbiased information critical to the democratic process.

Reference –

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/event/401822/journalists%E2%80%99-safety-security-stressed-ahead-of

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/new-legal-support-desk-empowers-journalists-bangladesh