This op-ed was published on September 28, 2024.

For decades, Bangladeshi media has played a vital role in upholding the spirit of democracy, human rights, and the fight against corruption as the fourth pillar of the state, despite limitations such as inefficiency, politicization, and threats.

Press freedom is essential for any functioning democracy. The role of the press is to inform, to hold those in power accountable, and to provide the public with unbiased and factual information. For this reason, the decline of press freedom and its politicization during the Awami League’s 15-year reign was deeply concerning. Journalists, whose work often exposes corruption, abuse of power, and social injustices, were either intimidated or chose self-censorship fearing government reprisal.

Those who aligned with the regime were rewarded, while those who remained neutral or critical were targeted. This division created an environment where trust in the media was diminished, and the press, instead of being an independent pillar of democracy, was turned into a tool for political gain. The relationship between the press and political elites undermines the integrity of journalism and violates its fundamental principle — objectivity.

This climate of fear was used to prevent the press from serving its democratic function, leading to self-censorship, manipulation of information, and ultimately a weakened society. Therefore, many people started relying on social media, which is full of rumors at best and misinformation at worst.

After the rapid change in power through an uprising on August 5, the new Bangladesh has yet to establish a congenial atmosphere for journalists. The ongoing targeting of journalists presents a troubling picture of the state of democracy in our nation. The recent surge in the indiscriminate charging of journalists for murder, particularly in connection with the student-led uprising, is an alarming development. The rule of law, freedom of the press, and the right to safety are being trampled upon, leaving not only journalists but society as a whole vulnerable to chaos and oppression.

The targeting of journalists has reached a new low with the disturbing practice of creating lists of reporters and editors, labeling them as collaborators of the ousted autocratic regime, and spreading this information to the public. These journalists are not only being slandered and harassed on social media but also physically attacked, often in full view of the law enforcement on court premises. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that some media outlets are complicit in this persecution, publishing unreliable reports that justify these legal actions and demonize the press.

The consequences of such actions are dire. Journalists are now being attacked, sometimes within the very spaces that should protect them, and are facing an increasing risk of violence from mobs incited by online hate campaigns. The rise of mob justice, where individuals take the law into their own hands without evidence or due process, has created a culture of fear that threatens not just journalists but society’s entire legal framework.

In the absence of rule of law, anarchy reigns, and justice becomes impossible.

A glimmer of hope appeared when Nobel Peace Laureate and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus addressed members of the Editors’ Council, promising that his government would protect journalists from the harassment and intimidation they have historically faced.

However, this promise rings hollow given the current trend of accusing journalists of murder is still prevailing. Such arbitrary acts send a clear message: No journalist is safe.

The recent directive, which calls for the arrest of individuals only when concrete evidence is present, is a step in the right direction. However, it is not enough. What we truly need is a society where journalists can work without fear of retribution, false accusations, persuasion by senior management or violence. Until the government can guarantee that, we are not living in a nation that respects press freedom.

Furthermore, as part of broader reforms, the interim government should annul the draconian Cyber Security Act (previously known as the Digital Security Act) and prioritize ensuring that journalists remain free from political affiliations and do their job maintaining professionalism and ethics. Journalism thrives on neutrality, and the intertwining of politics with the press has long compromised its objectivity. Those who have vested interests or allegiances with political factions should not be allowed to hold positions of influence within the media, as their biases will inevitably taint the truth.

Without a free and neutral press, there is no accountability, no transparency, and no justice. The interim government must take immediate steps to protect journalists from unfounded accusations and mob violence, and it must uphold the rule of law.

Press freedom is not just a right for journalists; it is a right for every citizen who deserves to know the truth. Without it, democracy is nothing more than an empty promise.