Journalism in Bangladesh Under the Shadow of Mob Fear

Reports of attacks and harassment against journalists have continued over the past three days. On August 28, several journalists, including Manjurul Alam Panna, were assaulted by a mob while attending a discussion on the Liberation War and the Constitution at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU). Among the victims were two journalists, but instead of taking action against the attackers, authorities filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against 16 people, including Panna, sending them to prison.

Journalist Mahbub Kamal, who was also present at the event, told The Daily Bangladesh Time:I had to hide in a room for almost two and a half hours out of fear of the mob. Only after the mob and police left the venue was I able to leave safely.

Kamal added I was terrified the whole time. It was unthinkable that a mob attack could happen at such a discussion, where teachers and journalists were present. But this time the attack was pre-planned. The police did not act against the mob; instead, they filed terrorism charges against the victims. Such cases cannot proceed without approval from the highest level of the state.”

He further questioned:Why was journalist Panna and teacher Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon jailed? This is clearly orchestrated — an environment of fear, created by mobs.”

Recent Attacks Across the Country On Sunday, senior journalist Soyeb Sikder of The Daily Bangladesh Time and two reporters from The Daily Star —Sifayet Ullah Sifat and Mahfuz Alam came under attack while covering clashes between students and locals at Chittagong University. The assault continued even after they identified themselves as journalists.

In Mymensingh, journalist Mohibubullah Khan of Dainik Janata has been forced to flee his home with family members after receiving threats from local criminals. At a press conference on August 11 in Dhaka, he described the insecurity he faces.

Earlier, on February 16, photojournalist Imran Hossain was critically injured in an attack while on duty in Mymensingh. On February 5, journalist Javed Akhtar was targeted and beaten inside the Supreme Court premises in Dhaka.

During the July Movement, journalists were also attacked: on July 15 and 16 alone, at least 25 reporters came under assault.

Human Rights Data

According to rights group Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), from January to August 2025, at least 274 journalists were victims of attacks, lawsuits, or harassment. Among them, 73 were assaulted while on professional duty. The perpetrators included political activists, law enforcement personnel, and government officials. Eleven journalists received death threats, and 46 were sued.

‘Living Under Constant Threats’

Senior journalist Masud Kamal said: Now journalists face widespread threats on social media, especially those who criticize the government. Even YouTubers abroad are issuing threats. Reporters live in fear of mob violence — sometimes extremists even announce plans to slaughter cows outside media offices in protest.”

He noted that even questioning government advisers has cost journalists their jobs: Media owners are pressured to sack them. Journalists’ photos are circulated in groups with threats and labels like ‘cultural fascist.’ This is a climate of fear.”

Journalist and social worker Shoeb Sikder also shared: I receive threats frequently, including from abroad. They ask why I haven’t been arrested yet. While I personally don’t fear, my relatives do. They worry that I could be jailed like Manjurul Alam Panna under fabricated charges.”

Findings from TIB and RSF

In a report published on August 4, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said that even under the interim government, press freedom has not been ensured. It highlighted the role of mobs in creating fear inside newsrooms. According to TIB, between August 2024 and July 2025, at least 496 journalists faced harassment, with 266 accused in murder-related cases linked to the July uprising. Three journalists were killed on duty during this period.

At least 24 media professionals were removed from their positions, including eight newspaper editors and 11 TV news chiefs. More than 150 reporters lost their jobs. TIB also reported that press accreditation cards of 167 journalists were canceled in three phases.

Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Bangladesh 149th out of 180 countries in its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, a 16-step improvement from last year. However, RSF expressed concern after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, noting that several private TV channels remain cautious in criticizing the interim authority.

The watchdog also pointed out that despite Bangladesh’s constitutional secularism, the recognition of Islam as the state religion contributes to media self-censorship on religious issues.

Voices of Concern

Human rights activist Nur Khan warned: Society is unstable, and journalists are becoming victims. Different groups now attack reporters if their writing goes against them. Social media is being used to incite mobs against journalists. Panna’s arrest under the Anti-Terrorism Act proves that the government no longer tolerates criticism. Any of us could be detained at any time.”

Veteran journalist Anis Alamgir echoed: The government doesn’t directly tell me what to say or write. But threats are constant — from social media, from abroad, and even in person. Owners block me from talk shows, while others who praise the government get invited. Just like in the past, some media owners and journalists have become loyalists.”

He added:Still, I won’t be silenced. I’ll continue independent journalism, no matter what comes.”

Finally, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) president Abu Saleh Akon said:Journalists have always been attacked — in the past and now. Whoever feels threatened by reporting, be it politicians, criminals, or extortionists, they attack journalists. Law enforcement remains indifferent.”