Journalist Attacks in Bangladesh Surge by 230 Percent Under Interim Government

Bangladesh has seen a staggering 230% rise in attacks on journalists since the formation of its interim government in January 2024, according to a new report by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). The rights body documented at least 878 journalists targeted between January 2024 and July 2025, painting a grim picture of the country’s press freedom environment during a period of political transition.

Of the total cases recorded, a significant 285 involved attacks on journalists reporting from the field. Another 220 cases were tied to the repression of critical social media content. Alarmingly, 123 of these cases were filed under the country’s controversial Digital Security Act (DSA), which has long been criticised for its vague language and potential to suppress dissent. The CGS emphasised that these figures do not represent the full extent of the crisis, as many cases go unreported due to fear of reprisal or lack of access to legal recourse.

The surge follows the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in December 2023 and the establishment of a technocratic caretaker administration, which was initially meant to oversee electoral reforms. However, the period has instead been marked by increasing surveillance, harassment, and violence against journalists.

CGS researchers noted that attacks were not limited to physical assaults or arrests, but included online threats, legal intimidation, and efforts to control independent media through pressure and regulatory mechanisms. Many of the targeted journalists were affiliated with small and regional news outlets, which remain especially vulnerable due to limited institutional backing.

Press freedom advocates are calling on the interim government to address the deteriorating media landscape. They urge a repeal of the DSA, an end to arbitrary arrests, and the establishment of protections for journalists. Without urgent reform, they warn that the ability of the media to hold power to account and inform the public will continue to erode.

References –

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/post-hasina-bangladesh-records-230-increase-in-attacks-on-journalists-says-rights-body/article69893178.ece

https://www.orissapost.com/878-journalists-targeted-during-bangladesh-interim-govt-report/

https://nagalandtribune.in/878-journalists-targeted-under-bangladesh-interim-govt-230-pc-rise-in-attacks-rights-body/