Press Freedom Under Pressure: Time for Reform
The event responded to pressing concerns: increasing censorship, economic pressures on journalists, legal threats, gender disparity in newsrooms, and impunity for crimes against media professionals. Bangladesh, like many countries, faces a difficult balancing act between media regulation and media freedom.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, stated:
“This is an opportunity to address systemic issues and prepare for a future where journalists can inform, educate, and empower society without fear. Independent, pluralistic media is not a luxury—it is the cornerstone of any democratic society.”
Representing the Swedish Government, H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, delivered a passionate call to action:
“Media freedom is not just about content—it’s about equality within the media itself. Today, fewer than 10% of journalists in Bangladesh are women. We need to make newsrooms safe, inclusive, and accessible for women.”
A Keynote Grounded in Urgency
Delivering the keynote speech, Mr. Kamal Ahmed, Chief of the Media Reform Commission, highlighted the escalating risks facing journalists in Bangladesh, including surveillance, digital threats, political interference, and arbitrary lawsuits.
“Fear, financial insecurity, and political control are fundamentally incompatible with a free press,” he warned.
“We must dismantle the structures that weaponize regulation and replace them with safeguards that uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability.”
He emphasized that the reform commission is committed to producing actionable recommendations that protect journalistic independence and create sustainable working conditions.
On-the-Ground Realities: Journalists Speak Out
Local journalists shared firsthand accounts of harassment, threats, and professional insecurity:
- Saifullah Kamrul, a reporter from Noakhali, shared:
- Akhtar Faruk Shaheen from Barishal expressed concern over repeated intimidation:
“After the fall of an authoritarian regime, my office was ransacked. I received anonymous threats, and now my wife and daughters are afraid to go outside.”
“False allegations, lack of legal protection, and termination without cause have left many of us unprotected. Reforms must ensure fair pay, legal support, and job security.”
Dialogue with Media and Policy Stakeholders
A high-level panel moderated by Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, offered critical insights into current challenges and policy gaps. Panelists included:
- A.K. Azad, President of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and Managing Director of Times Media Ltd., emphasized:
- Sheikh Sabiha Alam, Bureau Chief, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Dhaka, highlighted gender barriers and institutional inaction:
- Rezwanul Haque Raza, Chairman, Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC), stated:
“Talented individuals are avoiding journalism because it is now seen as a dangerous and unrewarding profession. Without structural protection, media cannot survive as a public good.”
“There’s little accountability for harassment. We need incentives to bring more women into journalism—and safety to keep them there.”
“If editorial independence depends on police protection, we have already lost. Threats—symbolic or real—are being used to silence the press.”
Government Perspective on Accountability and Reform
Serving as Chief Guest, Md. Mahfuj Alam, Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, acknowledged the need for transparency and legislative reform:
“We welcome critical questions. But the culture of lawsuits and political misuse of legal tools must be addressed. Everyone in media policy must also be accountable. Reforms must happen now—not just on paper, but in practice.”
The Way Forward
The event concluded with a strong consensus: safeguarding press freedom in Bangladesh requires coordinated action, institutional reform, and a renewed commitment to democratic values.
Summarizing the discussions, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman remarked:
“Drafting new laws behind closed doors is unacceptable in a democratic society. Transparency is key. We must ensure that broadcasting reforms are not used to curtail free expression. The role of informal power—especially intelligence agencies—must be openly examined.”
A Shared Commitment for a Free and Safe Media Environment
World Press Freedom Day 2025 in Bangladesh marked more than a day of reflection—it was a bold call to action. Journalists, civil society, and public officials collectively recognized that without urgent reform, the space for independent journalism will continue to shrink.
As Bangladesh moves forward on its development path, UNESCO and its partners reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that journalists are empowered, protected, and heard.
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