Media freedom in Bangladesh continues to face persistent crises and structural challenges, according to Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), which has underscored the importance of an independent press in democratic governance and the protection of human rights.
In a statement issued on Saturday marking World Press Freedom Day, the human rights organisation said that "it is not possible to develop democracy, protect human rights and ensure state accountability without a free, independent and responsible media."
It further observed that freedom of expression is "not only an independent right, but also one of the foundations for the protection of other rights."
Referring to constitutional and international legal frameworks, ASK noted that Article 39 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, speech, and the press, thereby placing an obligation on the state to ensure an enabling environment where journalists and citizens can express their views without fear or harassment. It also cited Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which recognise "the freedom to seek, receive and impart information" as a fundamental right.
The statement expressed concern that media freedom in the country is facing "multi-dimensional crises and challenges," pointing to legal and institutional constraints affecting journalistic practice. It said that cases filed against journalists, fear of arrest, harassment linked to expression on digital platforms, pressure on investigative reporting, ownership influence, self-censorship, and restrictions on field-level news gathering are collectively narrowing the space for independent journalism. "In many cases, allegations of attacks, threats and surveillance against journalists have also been raised," the organisation added.
Highlighting governance-related concerns, ASK stated that limitations in the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, reluctance in providing access to official data, and the tendency to withhold information of public interest are undermining transparency. It warned that when the media is impeded in accessing information, "the people are also deprived of their right to know the truth."
