At least 496 journalists faced harassment, including physical attacks, legal threats and dismissal, in Bangladesh between August 2024 and July 2025, while support services for journalists and human rights defenders remained poorly coordinated, a new study has found.
Women journalists faced additional risks, with 71% reporting workplace sexual harassment, according to the study.
The study, conducted across all eight divisions, identified legal harassment, online threats, physical intimidation, financial insecurity and mental stress as major risks faced by journalists and human rights defenders.
Titled “Mapping of Support Services and Proposing a Referral Pathway for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh,” the study was conducted under the Swadhinata: Freedom of Expression for Digital Democracy (FREEDOM) project, funded by the European Union and led by Plan International Bangladesh in partnership with Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).
The findings were released Monday at a national seminar titled “Referral Pathway for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh” at a Dhaka hotel.
Participants said the risks often overlap, with legal challenges, digital attacks, physical intimidation, economic insecurity and social pressure compounding protection concerns.
Legal harassment was among the most common concerns. Participants cited cyber-related laws, criminal cases, lengthy legal procedures and difficulties accessing affordable legal assistance outside major cities.
Online harassment, disinformation, surveillance, hacking, impersonation and reputational attacks were also identified as growing threats.
The study said online abuse can have consequences beyond the digital sphere, including psychological distress, restrictions on professional activities and, in some cases, physical threats.
Women journalists and women human rights defenders reported additional risks, including online abuse targeting their personal identities.
Journalists and activists working on corruption, land disputes, environmental issues, politics and organized crime were particularly exposed to physical threats.
District- and upazila-level journalists also faced financial insecurity, with many working without formal employment, social protection or emergency financial assistance.
The report found similar gaps in mental health and emergency support. Many participants described prolonged stress and trauma but said they had limited access to professional counseling.
Stakeholders called for emergency systems offering temporary relocation, safe accommodation, emergency financial assistance and rapid access to legal and medical support.
Three referral models proposed
To address these gaps, the study proposed three options for improving referral services.
The first is a centralized national referral hub with a helpline and digital platform to receive cases and connect people with verified service providers.
The second is a decentralized network involving local organizations, press clubs and civil society groups to identify cases and connect people with specialized services.
The third is a local protection coordination committee bringing together government agencies, legal aid providers, media organizations and civil society groups at the district or divisional level.
The study favored a hybrid model combining national coordination with local referral networks.
Speaking as the chief guest, Zahir Uddin Swapon, political adviser to the prime minister and a member of parliament, said protecting fundamental rights was essential to building a progressive society.
“A progressive society cannot be built without protecting people’s fundamental rights and freedoms,” he said.
He called for greater cooperation among the government, civil society and development partners and said young people should be prepared to use new technologies and artificial intelligence responsibly.
Baiba Zarina, deputy head of delegation and head of the Political, Economic, Trade, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, said people facing threats should know where to seek help.
“No journalist or human rights defender facing a threat should be left wondering where to turn,” she said.
She called for clearer referral pathways so people could access support quickly.
Faruk Wasif, director general of the Press Institute Bangladesh, said social media had created more opportunities for people to express themselves but had also fueled misinformation, hate, online harassment and misuse of artificial intelligence.
He said the safety of ordinary social media users also required attention alongside that of journalists and human rights defenders, and stressed the importance of media literacy.
Kabita Bose, country director of Plan International Bangladesh, said digital democracy was not simply about access to a phone or the internet.
“It is also about how safely and responsibly people are able to use technology,” she said, calling for timely legal measures and swift responses to complaints.
Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said laws and policies would have little effect without proper implementation.
She called for greater public awareness and youth engagement to address misinformation, digital harassment and the misuse of social media.
The study recommends a national referral framework, common procedures for handling cases and a directory of service providers and referral contacts across all eight divisions.
It also calls for expanded legal aid, psychosocial support, emergency assistance and digital security services at district and upazila levels.
Protection services should be confidential and accessible, the report said, with specific measures for women, Indigenous communities, transgender people, persons with disabilities and people living or working in remote areas.
