Dated: August 31, 2024
Chief Adviser
Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Dhaka
Dear Professor Muhammad Yunus,
On behalf of the Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM), we extend our best wishes to you upon your appointment as the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
BJIM is an independent organization composed of Bangladeshi journalists working across global media outlets. We are dedicated to advocating for journalists’ rights and the enhancement of press freedom in Bangladesh.
Our members play a crucial role in shaping the international perception of Bangladesh through critical, unbiased, and nuanced reporting, especially on critical issues such as the climate crisis, refugee concerns, the erosion of human rights, and the decline of press freedom.
It is likely not news to you that the former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has publicly criticized certain journalists and media outlets, branding them as “enemies of the people” while standing in sacred democratic venues like the Parliament, for merely fulfilling their journalistic responsibilities.
Furthermore, the previous government undertook severe measures against members of the foreign press critical of the administration’s actions, utilizing various tactics such as harassment by intelligence agencies, cyberbullying through pro-government propaganda channels, and, in some cases, even targeting the family members of exiled journalists. These actions were intended to intimidate and prevent journalists from reporting objectively.
You have assumed leadership at a critical juncture marked by crisis, divisiveness, and violence. However, this period also presents a historic opportunity to enhance respect for and protection of press freedom. We urge you to adopt the following measures to promote and safeguard press freedom:
- Ensure justice for the recent attacks on journalists in Bangladesh during the unrest in July 2024, including the fatal shootings of on-duty and off-duty journalists nationwide. The injured journalists and the families of the deceased deserve fair compensation for their losses.
- Accelerate the legal proceedings for the brutal murder of journalist couple Golam Mustofa Sarowar (Sagar Sarowar) and Meherun Runi, who were tragically killed on February 11, 2012, in their Dhaka apartment. The investigation has seen an unacceptable 111 delays in submitting the required report.
- Protect journalists and adress the longstanding impunity for assaults on media professionals. Data from the Committee to Protect Journalists reveals that from 2013 to 2024, under the governance of the Awami League, at least 28 journalists were killed, imprisoned, or subjected to attacks in retaliation for their journalistic work.
We strongly urge that journalists should not be subjected to a witch hunt under the new administration. The interim government must investigate allegations of journalists being charged with frivolous accusations, such as murder, that lack substantial evidence. While it is crucial to prosecute individuals for crimes committed, it is equally imperative to ensure that everyone’s right to a free and fair trial is upheld. - Initiate thorough and transparent investigations into alleged violence against journalists under the previous administration, including alleged torture in detention of Rozina Islam from Prothom Alo, photographer Shahidul Alam, cartoonist Kabir Kishore, among others.
- Prioritize dismissing all baseless legal actions against journalists, particularly those brought under the now-repealed Digital Security Act, 2018, and Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006. Over 451 cases were lodged against journalists under these acts, demonstrating a pattern of judicial harassment.
- Maintain complete transparency in the judicial process and hold accountable those responsible for undue delays, like those witnessed in the Sagar-Runi case. Identify and take action against individuals who targeted journalists for illegitimate political reasons.
- Call for an immediate suspension of laws curtailing press freedom, including the Cyber Security Act 2023 and the colonial-era Official Secrets Act of 1923, until they are abolished or significantly amended to align with international human rights and press freedom standards.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive Journalist Safety and Protection Act in line with UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity and also in collaboration with journalists, civil society, and other national and international stakeholders to ensure journalists can report freely and safely without fear of retaliation.
- Order law enforcement to immediate cease all undue surveillance and harassment of journalists, especially those covering sensitive topics such as climate change, national security, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
- Implement a safeguarding mechanism for journalists in rural and district areas who are often subject to harassment by local authorities and lack the means to defend against physical and legal threats.
- Reform the Press Information Department (PID) and overhaul the Special Branch to streamline press accreditation and renewal processes, reducing media restrictions. Expedite the issuance of PID cards and Special Branch passes for BJIM members and modernize these departments to better support freelance journalists.
- Revamp the government’s Press Office to be more robust, responsive, and transparent. Establish a Quick Response Team for media inquiries and ensure regular press briefings by designated spokespersons.
- Create a fair, impartial, and inclusive welfare trust and insurance scheme for journalists that supports their social security and professional development through grants, scholarships, and other initiatives.
- Eliminate unnecessary delays in issuing visas to foreign journalists wishing to come to Bangladesh. Direct embassies and relevant authorities to streamline the visa process.
- Lift restrictions on reporting about Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhashan Char island. Remove the “camp pass” requirement for access to these areas and improve access to Bhashan Char, while ensuring the protection of Rohingya journalists who frequently face undue restrictions, surveillance, and threats from Bangladeshi authorities and individuals within the refugee camps.
We sincerely hope that your administration, heralded by renewed hope and optimism, will address past abuses, confront the impunity surrounding crimes against journalists, and establish a robust foundation for future advancements in press freedom, recognizing it as fundamental to the democratic process.
BJIM is committed to maintaining ongoing communication and is ready to provide expertise and consultation on any press freedom-related initiatives by the interim government. Utilizing their practical, on-the-ground knowledge of the country, they aim to strengthen and enhance press freedom in Bangladesh.
Sincerely,
in random order, and few names have been left out due to certain limitations
Faisal Mahmud, Al Jazeera;
Redwan Ahmed, The Guardian;
Muktadir Rashid, Irrawaddy;
Monirul Alam, EPA;
Mohammad Ali Mazed, AFPTV;
Saif Hasnat, New York Times;
Tanvir Chowdhury, Al Jazeera;
Qadaruddin Shishir, AFP Factcheck;
Abir Abdullah, Matrix Images;
Munir uz Zaman, AFP;
Maksuda Aziz, Mongabay;
Shamsuddin Illius, Third Pole;
Najmus Sakib, Anadolu;
Tasneem Khalil, Netra News
Jibon Ahmed, BenarNews
Rozina Islam, Prothom Alo,
Shehab Sumon, Arab News;
Sulayman Shaon, Al Jazeera;
Saleem Samad, RSF;
Sharif Khiam, Benar News;
Zyma Islam, The Daily Star;
KM Asad, Getty Images;
Md. Eyamin, AFP Factcheck;
Shamim Ashraf, China Daily;
Md. Kamruzzaman, TRT World;
Sazzad Hossain, Deutsche Welle;
Rafiqul Islam Montu, Third Pole;
SAM Jahan, Reuters.
Zulkarnain Saer, Al Jazeera
Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media
