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May 21, 2026 – Bangladesh –
Amnesty International has called on Bangladeshi authorities to immediately withdraw criminal charges filed against two journalists under the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laws, warning that the cases represent a serious threat to press freedom and independent reporting.
The rights organization said journalists Shakil Ahmed and another reporter were charged in connection with their professional work after publishing reports considered critical of local authorities. Amnesty argued that the prosecutions appeared designed to intimidate journalists and discourage investigative reporting in Bangladesh.
According to Amnesty, the journalists were accused under provisions of Bangladesh’s ICT-related legislation that authorities have repeatedly used against reporters, activists, writers, and social media users. Rights groups have long criticized the country’s cybercrime and digital security laws for containing vague language that can criminalize legitimate expression and journalism.
Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, Smriti Singh, stated that journalism should never be treated as a criminal offense and urged Bangladesh to stop using restrictive digital laws to silence media workers. The organization argued that filing criminal cases against reporters for carrying out their duties undermines freedom of expression and weakens democratic accountability.
Local media reports said the journalists faced accusations linked to allegedly spreading false or defamatory information through online platforms. Critics, however, argued that the charges reflected broader patterns of pressure against independent media outlets and reporters investigating politically sensitive issues.
Press freedom organizations have repeatedly raised concerns over the shrinking space for independent journalism in Bangladesh. Groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Committee to Protect Journalists have criticized the use of digital security laws against journalists and warned that fear of arrest or prosecution contributes to self-censorship within the media sector.
Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act, and later amendments and related ICT legislation, have faced sustained criticism both domestically and internationally. Rights advocates argue that the laws grant authorities broad powers to arrest individuals for online expression while lacking sufficient protections for journalists and critics. The government has defended the legislation as necessary to combat cybercrime, misinformation, and threats to national security.
Amnesty urged Bangladeshi authorities to protect press freedom and ensure journalists can report without fear of retaliation, arrest, or legal harassment. The organization also called for broader reforms to laws that restrict freedom of expression and media independence in the country.
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