Bangladesh Ranked Among the Most Dangerous Countries for Journalists: RSF

Palestine has been identified as the most dangerous country for journalists this year, followed by Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Mexico, according to a report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Thursday. The report reveals that 54 journalists have been killed globally in 2024 while on duty, with one-third of these deaths caused by Israeli forces. In Bangladesh alone, five journalists have lost their lives this year.

The RSF report, which includes data up to December 1, highlights that the Israeli army was responsible for the deaths of 18 journalists this year—16 in Gaza and two in Lebanon—accounting for a third of the worldwide total. Gaza has been singled out as the most dangerous location for journalists, followed by Pakistan, which saw seven deaths, and Bangladesh and Mexico, with five fatalities each.

The report also notes that 55 journalists are currently being held hostage, including two abducted in 2024, with nearly half (25) held by the Islamic State group. Additionally, 95 journalists are reported missing, with four new cases this year.

China, Myanmar, and Israel are listed as the countries with the highest numbers of detained journalists, with 124 (including 11 in Hong Kong), 61, and 41 journalists detained, respectively.

RSF emphasized that Palestine remains the most perilous country for journalists, recording the highest death toll over the past five years. The report states that since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, "more than 145" journalists have been killed by the Israeli army, with 35 of them working at the time of their deaths. RSF described these killings as "an unprecedented massacre."