What’s Hindering Media Freedom in Bangladesh? UN Report Unveils Alarming Trends

UN Report Highlights Media Challenges in Bangladesh

Dhaka: A new report has been released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and UNESCO, with backing from the Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh, shedding light on the restrictive laws and political pressures that are undermining media freedom and public trust in the country under the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus.

Titled “An Assessment of Bangladesh’s Media Landscape: Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media,” the report provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities that the media sector faces during this pivotal transitional phase.

Conducted from July to December 2024, this joint assessment serves as a crucial guide for implementing reforms aimed at creating a more independent and diverse media landscape in response to Bangladesh's evolving political and social context.

Local news outlets reported that Mahfuj Alam, an advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was the chief guest at the launch event held in Dhaka.

He emphasized, “Media must uphold ethics and accountability to maintain public trust and prevent future generations from being misled.”

Sonali Dayaratne, the UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, highlighted that this assessment underscores the necessary steps to protect media freedom and enhance public confidence.

She stated, “A free, independent, and pluralistic media is essential for a thriving democracy. We are dedicated to collaborating with partners like UNESCO to promote structural reforms, support media professionals, and elevate public awareness regarding the media's crucial role in democracy.”

Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor and Head of Political, Economic and Cultural Affairs at the Swiss Embassy, remarked, “This assessment serves as a timely reminder that a free, independent, and pluralistic media is fundamental to a vibrant democracy.”

He expressed gratitude to UNDP and UNESCO for their support and urged all stakeholders to push for essential reforms to safeguard media freedom and bolster public trust.

Susan Vize, UNESCO's Representative to Bangladesh, who moderated the event, asserted that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic institutions.

She stated, “To foster a society that upholds basic human rights and ensures quality of life, we must prioritize freedom of expression and the media.”

Recently, a collective of 88 expatriate journalists, writers, researchers, and rights activists voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing torture of journalists and the suppression of free speech in Bangladesh under the Yunus-led interim government.

In a joint statement, they claimed that since August 5, journalists have faced severe mistreatment, which has left them feeling frustrated and disheartened.

They accused the Yunus administration of attempting to stifle free speech through various official and unofficial controls on both traditional and social media, labeling these actions as “shameful and repulsive.”