CPJ Issues 10 Recommendations to Restore Press Freedom in Bangladesh

Staff Reporter

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has sent a letter to Professor Muhammad Yunus, the interim government’s chief advisor, urging the restoration of press freedom in Bangladesh.

During the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, Professor Yunus met with CPJ representatives and expressed his commitment to safeguarding media freedom in the country. Based on this discussion, CPJ proposed ten recommendations aimed at creating a secure and open environment for journalists in Bangladesh.

CPJ’s 10 Recommendations

1. Suspend Repressive Laws
   CPJ called for the suspension of Bangladesh’s colonial-era *Official Secrets Act of 1923* and criminal defamation laws.
2. Withdraw Cases Against Journalists
   CPJ urged the government to drop all retaliatory cases against journalists, including those filed under Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006.
3. Ensure Justice for Detained Journalists
   Justice must be ensured for detained journalists such as Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta.
4. Investigate Attacks on Journalists
   CPJ demanded thorough investigations into recent attacks, including the 2024 killings of journalists Hasan Mehedi and Abu Taher Mohammad Turab.
5. End Impunity for Past Crimes
   CPJ stressed the need to resolve longstanding cases, including the 2012 murders of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi and the 2023 killing of journalist Golam Rabbani Nadim.
6. Investigate Custodial Torture
   Reinvestigation was urged into cases of custodial torture involving journalist Shahidul Alam, cartoonist Kabir Kishore, and Ragunath Kha.
7. Protect Families of Exiled Journalists
   CPJ called for an investigation into the 2023 attack on Mahinur Khan, brother of exiled journalist Zulkarnaine Saer Khan.
8. End Surveillance of Journalists
   Surveillance of journalists, particularly in high-security zones like the Chittagong Hill Tracts, must cease.
9. Enact a Journalist Protection Law
   CPJ recommended a new law to protect press freedom and allow journalists to work without fear.
10. Establish an Independent Press Council
    Bangladesh Press Council should be made autonomous, and visa processes for foreign journalists should be simplified.

CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg emphasized, “The interim government should seize this opportunity to set a precedent for future governments by ensuring media freedom in Bangladesh.”

The implementation of these recommendations could significantly bolster press freedom in the country. The response of the Yunus-led government will determine the course of action in this regard.