Yunus Government’s Authoritarian Interference in Media Freedom, Sword Hangs Over BD Digest

Since August 5 last year, a sword of mob violence has descended upon the country’s media. Amidst an adverse environment, ignoring all pressures, BD Digest was established in October last year to present accurate information and news. With the love and trust of the public, this online news portal managed to reach 2 million daily readers within just six months.

However, as part of the Yunus government’s ongoing aggression and authoritarian measures to control the media, efforts to suppress independent voices continue. Under the guise of expressing support for freedom of expression and media, harsh repressive actions are being carried out.

Since mid-May, the BTRC has blocked access to BD Digest’s news for users with local IP addresses through gateways. This has been identified as an unprecedented example in Bangladesh’s history, marking the first time a news portal’s content has been restricted on the internet.

Facing this barrier, BD Digest has urged its readers to use VPNs to access its news.

Analysts see this move as a clear example of the Yunus government’s authoritarian actions against media freedom and freedom of speech. This is undermining the public’s right to access information.

Supporters of BD Digest have expressed their support through messages on the outlet’s Facebook page, stating that such actions represent a despicable interference by the interim government in controlling the media, which is contrary to democratic values.

BD Digest believes in the motto, “Fearless in revealing the truth beyond what is seen, heard, and known.” With this slogan as its companion, BD Digest has pledged to emerge even stronger in the days ahead.