CPJ: Safeguard journalists and uphold press freedom

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Dr. Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, to prioritize press freedom in the country. In a letter following a recent meeting at the 2024 UN General Assembly, CPJ outlined 10 key steps for the interim government to protect journalists and uphold free expression. Top among these recommendations is a moratorium on restrictive media laws, particularly after the repeal of the contentious Cyber Security Act 2023, which replaced the widely criticized Digital Security Act used previously to target journalists.

CPJ also called for the dismissal of numerous retaliatory criminal cases against journalists, many of whom are under police investigation or detained. The letter stressed the importance of addressing the detention of four pro-Awami League journalists, advocating for their right to a fair trial.

Further demands included investigations into recent attacks on journalists, such as fatal shootings in July 2024, unsolved murders, and numerous reports of custodial abuse, torture, and abductions.

Additional recommendations involved ending the surveillance and harassment of journalists, enacting journalist protection laws, and reforming the Bangladesh Press Council to function as an independent body. CPJ also urged improvements in press accreditation, unrestricted visas for foreign journalists, and unobstructed access to media outlets and internet services.

According to CPJ, these reforms are vital to safeguarding press freedom and fostering a resilient, independent press in Bangladesh amid increasing threats to media rights.