Journalists in Bangladesh continue to face severe risks while exposing corruption involving powerful individuals. Alongside dangers such as extortion and criminal intimidation, reporters frequently encounter threats to their lives and interference in their work. Authorities have, at times, summoned journalists for questioning after they published stories exposing corruption within police and government ranks.

Those who resist yielding to such pressures often face brutal attacks. The recent murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin, who was hacked and killed in Gazipur last Thursday, has triggered widespread outrage and protests nationwide.

Nearly 500 Journalists Harassed in One Year

A recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), released on August 4, reveals that from August 2024 to July 2025, 496 journalists experienced harassment. The report, presented at TIB’s Dhanmondi office, was titled “One Year After the Fall of an Authoritarian Regime: Expectations and Realities.”

Other NGOs have reported that in just the first seven months of this year, 274 journalists were injured on duty due to assaults or interference. According to TIB, three journalists were killed while working during this timeframe; however, following Tuhin’s murder, the number has risen to four. The report highlights that press freedom remains unprotected even under the current interim government.

Widespread Attacks and Intimidation

Data from various groups indicate that between January and July 2025, 274 attacks on journalists resulted in 126 injuries. In the previous August to December period, there were 165 incidents causing 95 injuries. A shocking case in March involved the gang rape of a female journalist in Dhaka while she was on assignment.

According to Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) and Odhikar, from January to June this year, 20 journalists were publicly humiliated, 34 received threats, and 10 were arrested. In the same period, 22 legal cases targeted 92 journalists. Under the Cyber Security Act 2023, at least 16 cases were filed, leading to 12 arrests and charges against 23 journalists. In July alone, 17 attacks were reported involving 27 journalists, with many injured, threatened, or humiliated.

Odhikar’s records show that from August 2024 to June 2025, 165 journalists faced attacks or harassment—including injuries, threats, and legal actions.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reports that from January to June 2025, there were 196 incidents of violence, lawsuits, and persecution against journalists. Among notable attacks were assaults on reporters Moniruzzaman in Pabna and Jahangir Mahmud in Rupganj, who survived a violent brick attack.

Other Killings and Threats

Last year’s violent incidents include the October 10 death of Deepto TV broadcast officer Tanzil Jahan Tamim, who was beaten at home, and the October 12 murder of Tarakanda Press Club vice president Swapan Kumar Bhodro, who was hacked outside his house. The body of journalist Rahnuma Sarah was also found in Hatirjheel last August.

Journalists report receiving death threats from a range of sources, including political figures, local officials, brick kiln owners, and even law enforcement personnel. Over the years, journalists have been subjected to abduction, torture, bomb attacks, and harassment by criminals and sometimes authorities.

Journalist Summoned Over Bribery Report

Recently, Rupganj correspondent Likhan Raj of Bangla Tribune was summoned by the Narayanganj Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) following his investigative report exposing bribery by a police officer. The PBI requested Raj’s presence to explain his information sources related to the allegation against Sub-Inspector Hafizur Rahman, who was accused of demanding a Tk 50,000 bribe.

Police Efforts and Investigations

Additional Deputy Inspector General Md. Ashik Saeed assured that law enforcement is committed to investigating crimes and prosecuting those responsible. The ongoing investigation into Tuhin’s murder, he said, aims to bring perpetrators to justice.

Concerns from Rights Groups and Media Associations

HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam condemned Tuhin’s killing as an attack on press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh.

The Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) expressed grave concern over the deteriorating environment for journalists. NOAB’s president, AK Azad, noted that hopes for a democratic society with free press rights following the recent political changes have not yet been realized. He called for an end to the culture of intimidation against media owners and emphasized that safeguarding press freedom and journalist security is crucial to strengthening democracy.