বাংলা | Epaper

বাংলা E-Paper 📍 Dhaka 📅 Monday | 31 August 2026, 16 Bhadro 1433 PID registration number 06

HEADLINE

● Measles claims six more lives, 1,256 new cases reported ● May no mother ever lose her child again: Asiya’s mother ● SSC exams deferred to Mar 14, HSC to begin as scheduled ● Prez praises BGB's role in border security ● EC puts local election voter count at 128.78 million ● Integrated efforts essential to maintain law, order: State Minister ● DSCC makes official seal mandatory for meat sales

Coordinated referral mechanism needed to support journalists and human rights defenders

Published : Monday, 31 August, 2026 at 5:26 PM

Observer staff correspondent

File Photo

The need to establish a coordinated and effective referral mechanism in Bangladesh to ensure timely and appropriate support for journalists and human rights defenders facing threats, harassment or other risks was highlighted at a national seminar.

Speakers noted that although various government and non-government support services exist in the country, coordination among them remains limited. As a result, people often have to rely on personal and professional contacts during emergencies.

The seminar, titled “Referral Pathway for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh,” was held on Monday at InterContinental Dhaka. It presented the findings of a study conducted under the Swadhinata: Freedom of Expression for Digital Democracy (FREEDOM) project, along with a proposed referral mechanism and strategic recommendations. Funded by the European Union, the project is led by Plan International Bangladesh and implemented by ManusherJonno Foundation (MJF).

The study found that a range of services, including legal and psychosocial support, emergency response and digital security assistance, are available for journalists and human rights defenders in Bangladesh. However, service providers often operate separately, while access to specialised support remains uneven across the country. These gaps are comparatively greater in districts, upazilas and remote areas.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Zahir Uddin Swapon, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, said that ensuring people’s fundamental rights, freedom and protection is essential for the progress of society.

He also stressed the need to create effective links between government initiatives and the work of civil society, non-government organisations and development partners. Referring to rapid technological change and the growing use of artificial intelligence, he highlighted the importance of responsible technology use among young people.

Baiba Zarina, Deputy Head of Delegation and Head of the Political, Economic, Trade, Press and Information Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, said that when a journalist or human rights defender faces a threat, they should clearly know where to go, whom to contact and what kind of support is available.

Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), said that while social media has expanded opportunities for people to express their views, it has also increased the risks of misinformation, hate, online harassment and the misuse of artificial intelligence.

He stressed the importance of protecting the rights and safety not only of journalists and human rights defenders, but also of ordinary social media users, alongside strengthening media literacy.

Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, said that digital democracy is not simply about having access to a mobile phone or the internet; it is also about how safely and responsibly people are able to use technology.

She said, “Platforms, policies or action plans alone will not bring the desired results.” She emphasised the need for timely legal measures and rapid responses when complaints are made.

ShaheenAnam, Executive Director of ManusherJonno Foundation, said that having laws and policies in place is not enough; their effective implementation must also be ensured. With misinformation, misuse of social media and digital harassment increasing, she stressed the need to raise public awareness and engage young people as agents of change.

She further said that freedom of expression is a right not only of journalists, but also of human rights defenders and ordinary citizens. In particular, journalists working at the grassroots level and those who speak out against rights violations must be able to express themselves in a safe environment.

Representatives from government institutions, the media, civil society, legal aid organisations, development partners and human rights-related organisations took part in the seminar and exchanged views on the research findings and the proposed referral mechanism.

-ARR/HIS