Support services for journalists and human rights defenders facing threats remain fragmented and unevenly accessible across Bangladesh, with the gaps particularly pronounced in districts, upazilas and remote areas, according to a study.
The findings were presented at a national seminar in Dhaka on Monday titled “Referral Pathway for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh.”
The study, “Mapping of Support Services and Proposing a Referral Pathway for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh,” was conducted under the Swadhinata: Freedom of Expression for Digital Democracy (FREEDOM) project.
The project is funded by the European Union, led by Plan International Bangladesh and implemented by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).
The study found that various support services, including legal and psychosocial assistance, emergency response and digital security support, are available to journalists and human rights defenders.
However, service providers often operate separately, creating gaps in coordination and access to services, particularly outside major urban centers.
Speaking as the chief guest, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and MP Zahir Uddin Swapon said protecting fundamental rights and freedoms was essential to building a progressive society.
“Strengthening collaboration between government, civil society and development partners is therefore essential,” he said.
He also stressed the need to empower young people to navigate technological and artificial intelligence-driven changes responsibly and use innovation for positive change.
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 people facing threats should have clear information about where to seek help.
“No journalist or human rights defender facing a threat should be left wondering where to turn,” she said.
“They should know exactly whom to contact, where to seek help and what support is available.”
She said the discussion was an important step towards strengthening coordination and creating clearer referral pathways so timely support could reach those in need.
Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) Director General Faruk Wasif said social media had expanded opportunities for people to express their views but had also increased the risks of misinformation, hate, online harassment and misuse of artificial intelligence.
He stressed the need to protect the rights and safety of journalists, human rights defenders and ordinary social media users while strengthening media literacy.
Plan International Bangladesh Country Director Kabita Bose said digital democracy was not simply about access to mobile phones or the internet, but also about being able to use technology safely and responsibly.
“Platforms, policies or action plans alone will not bring the desired results,” she said, stressing the need for timely legal measures and rapid responses to complaints.
Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam said having laws and policies in place was not enough and that their effective implementation must also be ensured.
She stressed the need to raise public awareness and engage young people as agents of change amid growing misinformation, misuse of social media and digital harassment.
The study covered all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh and included 16 focus group and small-group discussions, 20 key informant interviews, eight divisional stakeholder consultation workshops and one national-level validation workshop.
It identified legal and judicial harassment, digital threats and online violence, physical intimidation, economic insecurity and psychosocial stress as interconnected risks faced by journalists and human rights defenders.
The research proposed three possible referral models: a central national referral hub, a decentralised community-based referral network, and a multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism at the district or divisional level.
The seminar recommended clearly defining institutional responsibilities and ensuring long-term coordination to make the referral mechanism sustainable beyond the project period.
It also recommended maintaining an updated and easily accessible information system showing where legal, psychosocial, digital security and emergency assistance can be obtained.
Relevant institutions should have clearly defined responsibilities and respond promptly when journalists and human rights defenders face threats or crises, the discussion said.
It also called for inclusive support that takes into account the needs of women and others who face additional barriers in accessing services.