Journalists concerned about security in upcoming elections, fear of attacks and harassment

BD Digest Desk

89 percent of journalists fear being physically attacked while covering the 13th parliamentary elections. In addition, half of female journalists expressed concerns about the risk of sexual harassment and 40 percent about sexual violence.

This information was revealed in a survey conducted by Digitally Right, an organization working on digital rights. Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, the organization’s managing director, presented the results of the research.

The study, titled ‘High Risk, Low Preparedness: Journalist Safety in the 2026 Elections’, was conducted ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections and referendum in February. It included 10 in-depth interviews, as well as surveys of 201 journalists from 19 districts.

Seventy-six percent of journalists surveyed identified verbal harassment and 71 percent identified intimidation as the main risks. More than 90 percent of respondents believe that the biggest threat to physical safety comes from political parties and their activists. Women and regional journalists also see law enforcement and extremist religious groups as significant risks.

Journalists are concerned not only about physical but also digital security while gathering news. 75 percent said they are afraid of disinformation being spread against them or their organization. 65 percent see hacking as a major risk. Female journalists expressed greater concern about online harassment and surveillance. More than half of respondents believe that defamatory propaganda could be used to undermine their credibility.

According to journalists, political labeling, distrust in the media, extremism, mob lynching, weak law and order system, and disinformation targeting journalists are the main reasons for the increased risk in this year’s elections.

Most journalists surveyed said their media organizations are not adequately prepared to deal with these risks. There is a lack of a specific security structure or person in charge. Only 24 percent of journalists said they have received any kind of security equipment or training. 77 percent of media outlets do not have a digital security policy.

The report makes several recommendations to strengthen the safety of journalists, including regular physical and digital security training, developing and implementing clear security protocols, ensuring gender-sensitive protection measures, and strengthening access to emergency and legal assistance.

Senior journalists and editors from Dhaka Tribune, Samakal, Times of Bangladesh, AFP, BDNews24, New Age, RTV, Jamuna Television and Ekattor Television were present at the roundtable discussion. Maria Peterson, Project Coordinator for Asia at Foyo Media Institute, also joined the discussion virtually.