Speakers at a dialogue organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) on Tuesday warned that media freedom in Bangladesh is increasingly constrained, with journalists facing insecurity, financial hardship, and pressure from politically backed groups.
The event, titled “Media Reform in Bangladesh: Between Freedom, Responsibility and Power,” was held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka and brought together senior journalists, editors, academics, political leaders, and media analysts.
Former head of the Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed attended as guest of honor. Other speakers included Executive Editor of Bangladesh Pratidin AKM Manjurul Islam, Editor of Dhaka Tribune Reaz Ahmad, Head of English Web of Prothom Alo Ayesha Kabir, CPB Central Committee Member Dr Sajedul Huq Rubel, Socialist Party General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, G-9 General Secretary Shakhawat Hossain Sayantha, University of Dhaka Professor Dr SM Shameem Reza, Special Content Editor of The Daily Star Shamsuddoza Sajen, Senior Journalist Zahid Newaz Khan, Political Analyst Zahed Ur Rahman, Freelance Journalist Kazi Jesin, and The Daily Star Senior Reporter Zyma Islam.
Media freedom and political pressure
CGS President Zillur Rahman said that despite the chief adviser’s “three zeros” rhetoric, a governance vacuum persists. Referring to attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, he said a senior editor critical of the government had been harassed and labeled a political collaborator. “This raises serious questions about media freedom,” he added, noting that a government representative at a CGS program refused to call the incidents mob attacks.
Senior Journalist Nurul Kabir said recent attacks were organized, disciplined, and enjoyed government patronage. “Real journalists question power; those who don’t are essentially public relations officers,” he said, criticizing moral decay in journalism.
Last-minute ordinances and weak reforms
Kamal Ahmed criticized the government’s rush to pass ordinances and described the new Information Broadcasting Commission and Media Commission as “patchwork initiatives” lacking proper planning. Urging media owners to ensure journalists benefit financially, he said: “This last-minute haste shows a lack of commitment to genuine reform.”
Accountability, ethics, and self-reflection
Professor Robaet Ferdous called for effective accountability of parliament and media, while Professor SM Shameem Reza urged self-criticism on journalists’ salaries, protection laws, press council effectiveness, workplace safety, and repressive legislation. Socialist Party General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz demanded withdrawal of harassing cases and solutions to financial crises, warning against sycophancy toward power.
Political pressure and professional risks
Dr Sajedul Huq Rubel noted media freedom depends on the ruling party’s ideology and criticized inaction on inflammatory social media content.
Senior Journalist Zahid Newaz Khan shared experiences of surveillance and pressure, highlighting concerns about press accreditation and advertisement dependence. AKM Manjurul Islam said recent attacks united journalists, calling for a strengthened Press Council.
Reaz Ahmad praised the Media Reform Commission but criticized the government for ignoring its recommendations.
Ayesha Kabir stressed increasing women’s representation to build safer, non-discriminatory workplaces. Shakhawat Hossain Sayantha urged journalists to protect their own freedom and warned of AI-driven misinformation ahead of elections.
Financial security and institutional reforms
Speakers including Parveen F Chowdhury and Muktadir Rashid highlighted unpaid salaries and tax deductions as threats to media freedom, proposing a Media Accountability Commission.
Zyma Islam argued for institutional autonomy, while Advocate Shihab Uddin Khan warned that corporate ownership compromises editorial independence.
The dialogue concluded that meaningful media reform requires political will, institutional accountability, financial security for journalists, and a renewed commitment to ethical, independent journalism. The session was moderated by Zillur Rahman.