Synopsis by enewstime: Amid rising concerns over media suppression in Bangladesh, a group of 88 expatriate journalists and rights defenders has condemned the interim government’s alleged crackdown on press freedom. The criticism coincides with the launch of a detailed report—“An Assessment of Bangladesh’s Media Landscape: Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media”—jointly published by UNDP and UNESCO with support from the Swiss Embassy. The report highlights growing censorship, declining public trust, and the urgent need for institutional reforms to ensure a free, ethical, and pluralistic media environment in the country. Prominent international figures and organizations have called for immediate action to uphold press freedom as Bangladesh navigates a politically sensitive transition period.
Dhaka, July 4, 2025: Concerns over media suppression in Bangladesh have drawn international attention. A collective of 88 expatriate journalists, researchers, writers, and rights defenders recently issued a joint statement denouncing what they described as continued repression of journalists and curtailment of free speech under the current interim government.
The group alleged that since August 5, multiple journalists have faced brutal treatment, leaving them “deeply frustrated and demoralized.” They further accused the Yunus-led administration of enforcing both overt and covert restrictions on traditional and digital media platforms, describing the clampdown as “disgraceful and appalling.”
As Bangladesh navigates this politically delicate phase, the call for protecting media independence has grown louder, with domestic and international voices alike urging immediate steps to uphold democratic principles and civil liberties.
Amidst all concerns, a new report jointly released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with support from the Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh, has spotlighted the ongoing constraints on media freedom and the erosion of public trust under Bangladesh’s interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.
Titled “An Assessment of Bangladesh’s Media Landscape: Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media”, the report delivers an in-depth examination of the challenges confronting the country’s media sector, along with potential avenues for reform during a sensitive political shift.
The joint evaluation—carried out between July and December 2024—aims to chart a reform-oriented path for cultivating a more open, autonomous, and diverse media ecosystem that reflects the nation’s current political and societal transformations.
At the report’s launch event in Dhaka, Mahfuj Alam, Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the interim government, participated as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized the need for ethical journalism, stating, “The media must operate with integrity and accountability to restore public confidence and ensure future generations are not betrayed.”
Sonali Dayaratne, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Bangladesh, echoed the importance of the initiative, saying the joint assessment underlines critical actions necessary to protect press freedom and reinforce public trust.
“A vibrant democracy depends on a media environment that is free, independent, and pluralistic,” she said. “Our collaboration with UNESCO seeks to push forward institutional reforms, bolster journalists, and raise awareness about the indispensable role of the media.”
Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor and Head of Political, Economic, and Cultural Affairs at the Swiss Embassy, described the report as a significant reminder of the essential role media plays in democratic society.
“We commend UNDP and UNESCO for backing this vital initiative, and we encourage all stakeholders to push for the much-needed reforms to uphold media freedom,” he said.
UNESCO’s Representative in Bangladesh, Susan Vize, who moderated the event, stressed that freedom of expression lies at the core of democratic systems. “For a society to uphold human rights and ensure a good quality of life, freedom of the press must be an integral part of the foundation,” she noted. (Edited)
