Unfinished Freedom: The Press and Democracy in Bangladesh

Sangram Datta: Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has promised democracy, justice, and freedom of expression. Yet, the nation’s journalists have faced decades of intimidation, violence, and systemic suppression. From the earliest days of state control to the present, the story of Bangladeshi journalism is inseparable from the country’s own struggle to uphold the constitutional right to a free press. This report traces fifty-four years of silence, resistance, and bloodshed, highlighting the sacrifices of those who dared to speak the truth.

The Night That Changed Everything-

On the morning of February 11, 2012, Dhaka awoke to a tragedy that shocked the nation. Journalists Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were found brutally stabbed in their West Rajabazar apartment, while their young son was left unharmed in the next room.

Sagar, news editor of Maasranga Television, was known for integrity and calm professionalism. Runi, a senior reporter for ATN Bangla, covered corruption and political power struggles fearlessly. Together, they symbolized a rare partnership committed to truth in a media landscape dominated by political pressures.

Thousands of journalists marched through Dhaka demanding justice, carrying placards reading: “We want answers, not promises.” Politicians promised investigations, formed committees, and set deadlines—but more than a decade later, the murders remain unsolved. Their deaths became a national wound, epitomizing the fragility of press freedom in Bangladesh.

A History Written in Blood (1971–1990s)-

The trajectory of Bangladesh’s press reflects its turbulent political history.

The Early Years-

After independence, Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman consolidated control over the press. Newspapers critical of the government faced harassment, while state-owned media like Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar became government mouthpieces.

In June 1975, under BAKSAL, Mujib shut down all but four government-approved newspapers—Ittefaq, Dainik Bangla, Bangladesh Observer, and The Bangladesh Times. Journalists resisting the restrictions were harassed, detained, or silenced. (The Daily Star, March 25, 2017: “Mujib’s Baksal and the silencing of the press”)

Years of Silence-

From 1975 to 1990, journalists in the country faced one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Undeclared censorship, political pressure, and constant insecurity created an environment in which reporting the truth became increasingly difficult. Despite these hardships, journalists continued to fulfill their duty, striving to provide the public with accurate news and information.

During this era, politics was dominated by a government that sought to control the flow of information. Press freedom was increasingly restricted through both direct and indirect measures, making independent reporting a risky endeavor. Many journalists faced intimidation, threats, and the possibility of legal consequences, yet they persisted in their work, driven by a commitment to truth and accountability.

This period of tightened press control left a lasting mark on the media landscape. While public access to information was limited, the resilience of journalists during these years demonstrated the enduring power of the free press, even under adverse circumstances. The years of silence were not complete; they were marked by courage, subtle resistance, and the unyielding pursuit of journalistic integrity.

Political Violence Against Local Journalists-

In 1973, in the town of Srimangal, Rasendra Datta Chowdhury, the Srimangal correspondent of the national daily Sangbad, was attacked by terrorists instigated by local influential leaders of the then-ruling party. He suffered further assaults in 1979 and 1990 at the hands of gangsters linked to other influential political parties. Over the years, powerful interests subjected him to various forms of harassment, including filing frivolous cases concerning his ancestral home in the village of Noagaon and his residence in town, attacking his siblings, and forcibly removing soil from his paternal land. These actions were clearly intended to pressure him into selling his valuable property at a low price and relocating. Nevertheless, the gang continued its attempts to grab his land by any means.

Between 1991 and 2002, local journalist Sangram Datta, son of Rasendra Datta Chowdhury and correspondent of the daily Khabar, the weekly Chitra Bangla, and later the national English daily The Independent, was repeatedly targeted and attacked by hoodlums instigated by influential political parties in Srimangal due to his reporting on terrorism, corruption, and criminal activities. On one occasion, a powerful group even attempted to have him imprisoned through a senior local administrative officer in an effort to silence him. Despite these threats, the local journalist community skillfully countered these conspiracies, and Mr. Datta survived.

The Return of Democracy (1990s)-

With Ershad’s fall in 1990, new hope emerged. The Daily Star (founded 1991) and Prothom Alo (founded 1998) brought investigative journalism into mainstream discourse. Yet, journalists faced lawsuits, threats, and physical assaults. Democracy had returned, but hostility toward press freedom persisted.

A Dangerous Decade – The 2000s-

By the early 2000s, Bangladesh’s media landscape flourished. National dailies like Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Jugantor, and Samakal, along with private channels like ATN Bangla, Ekushey TV, and Maasranga, expanded public debate.

The Case of Manik Saha

On January 15, 2004, journalist Manik Saha, correspondent for The Daily Star and BBC Bangla, was killed in a bomb attack outside a Khulna press club while reporting on crime and political violence. (The Daily Star: “Manik Saha killed in bomb attack”)

Though several suspects were later convicted, colleagues noted that the masterminds remained free. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) declared Bangladesh one of the most dangerous countries for journalists.

Other Killings and Attacks

Humayun Kabir Balu, editor of Dainik Janmabhumi, was killed in Khulna in 2004.

Golam Rabbani, a rural journalist, was beaten to death in 2000 for exposing corruption.

Numerous assaults on regional reporters were documented by Prothom Alo and Ittefaq.

Democracy had returned, but press freedom remained hostage to political power.

The Sagar-Runi Murder – A National Wound-

The murders of Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi in 2012 symbolized the enduring vulnerability of journalists. Their five-year-old son reportedly cried: “Baba, Ma are sleeping in blood.”

Protests erupted. On February 13, 2012, The Daily Star ran: “Journalists demand justice for Sagar, Runi”. The government promised a trial within 48 hours. Thirteen years later, justice remains elusive. Investigations by police and RAB stalled, with multiple extensions granted by the courts. (Prothom Alo, June 2018: “Six years on, no justice for Sagar-Runi”)

Speculation pointed to corruption stories or political rivalries. The lack of transparency reinforced the perception of impunity: if prominent Dhaka journalists could be silenced without consequence, rural reporters faced even greater peril.

The Divide Within Journalism-

Bangladeshi journalism is polarized:

The Aligned Journalists

Many align with political parties, gaining government perks such as housing, cars, financial incentives, and appointments in state institutions. They rarely face harassment and may even suppress rivals. (The Daily Star, July 15, 2017: “When journalists become PR agents”)

The Independent Journalists

Independent reporters, especially in rural areas, face threats, violence, and fabricated lawsuits. Examples include:

Mushtaq Ahmed, murdered for exposing illegal sand mining (Prothom Alo, May 9, 2021)

Assaults on journalists covering election violence in Noakhali (Jugantor, 2018)

The Digital Security Act – A Legal Weapon-

The Digital Security Act (DSA), introduced in 2018, grants sweeping powers to arrest individuals for online “defamation.”

Over 80 journalists have been sued under the DSA. (The Daily Star, Sept 22, 2020)

In 2023, Prothom Alo reporter Shamsuzzaman Shams was arrested for reporting on price hikes; the paper’s editor faced legal action.

The DSA has become a tool to criminalize journalism itself.

Sreemangal, 2024 – Journalists Under Fire-

On November 21, 2024, The Daily Star reported: “Dozens sued including 10 journos in Sreemangal”. Among those sued were Bishwajyoti Chowdhury, Dipankar Bhattacharjee Liton, Chowdhury Bhaskar, and Bikul Chakraborty and six others.

Journalists denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. Locals confirmed no violence had occurred, illustrating the weaponization of legal tools against the press.

Freedom in name only-

On 6 August 2025, the Daily Kaler Kantho published a report titled “Free if in favor, mob violence if against: Matiur Rahman Chowdhury”. In the report, Daily Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury remarked that even today, many journalists are being attacked. He said, “Now it is being claimed that journalism is free. The reality is, if you are in favor, you are free; if you are against, you face mob violence.”

He made these remarks at a discussion titled “Freedom of the Media: Complaint Resolution and Analysis of Self-Regulation”, held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said, “I am fearful, I am worried. Journalists are constantly on the run. Many have become victims of lawsuits, some have left the country, and many have lost their jobs.”

He added, “Everyone talks about the last 16 years. But in fact, I have seen the same situation for 54 years. 

He also described as unfortunate the practice of showing consensus in the National Consensus Commission by issuing a “note of dissent.”

At the same time, Professor Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, also identified the mob as a major threat to journalism. He said, “The mob has emerged as a serious threat to journalism, and this must be taken into account. Beyond the government, the owners, and the editors, another force has developed that is trying in different ways to control journalism. This needs to be acknowledged by everyone.”

Professor Ali Riaz further said, “The question is being asked—so many commissions have been formed, yet no results are seen. Why don’t you journalists investigate why nothing is happening?”

On 9 August 2025, the Daily Desh Rupantor published a report titled “35 Journalists Killed in last 33 Years.” The report noted that, according to an international study, from 1992 until now, over a span of 33 years, 35 journalists have been killed in Bangladesh. According to data from the Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), in the first six months of this year—from January to June 2025—196 journalists have been subjected to violence. Experts say that the lack of justice is fueling the continued attacks on journalists.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day was observed with the theme “Journalism in the Face of a Brave New World: Freedom of the Media and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence.” But the reality is starkly different. The persecution and oppression of journalists, rooted in ancient history, continue to this day. Journalists face threats regularly while gathering or investigating news. Subtle forms of torture, as well as killings when the opportunity arises, are still taking place.

The Killings Never Stop-

Khulna remained deadly for journalists. After Manik Saha (2004) and Humayun Kabir Balu (2004), another journalist was killed in 2025, raising familiar questions: Who ordered the attack? Why was he targeted? Will justice ever arrive?

Mob Justice – Violence Beyond the Press-

Violence against journalists reflects a broader pattern:

A woman lynched over Facebook rumors (Kaler Kantho, July 21, 2019)

A teacher beaten to death over false blasphemy claims (Samakal, Aug 7, 2021)

A journalist attacked by a mob in Barishal (Ittefaq, Dec 12, 2020)

Journalists, minorities, and dissidents alike fall victim to impunity.

Why Justice Rarely Arrives-

Common patterns include:

Political interference: Local powerbrokers shield perpetrators.

Investigative delays: Agencies take endless extensions (Sagar-Runi case had over 90).

Witness intimidation: Rural witnesses are silenced.

Media fatigue: Public outrage fades, allowing cases to wither.

The result is a culture of impunity.

The Way Forward-

Experts and editorials repeatedly stress reforms:

Repeal or amend the Digital Security Act

Establish an independent journalist protection commission

Build solidarity among journalists to bridge political divides

Combat mob justice with faster trials, community policing, and national awareness

(The Daily Star, May 3, 2022: “Fear, laws gag free journalism”)

Closing Reflection-

Fifty-four years after independence, Bangladesh’s press embodies a paradox: it has produced some of South Asia’s bravest reporters, yet endured systemic censorship and violence.

The murders of Sagar and Runi (2012), the journalist killing in Khulna (2025), and countless others form a chain of silence and fear. Yet every journalist who picks up a pen, camera, or microphone defies that silence.

The question remains: how many more voices must be silenced before Bangladesh fulfills its constitutional promise of a free press?