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.