As part of ARTICLE 19’s advocacy for press freedom, media independence, and the protection of journalists in Bangladesh, we submitted key recommendations to the Bangladesh Media Reform Commission on 23 February 2025, highlighting necessary legal and policy reforms.
ARTICLE 19 appreciates the Bangladesh Interim Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure a free, independent, and safe media environment in line with international human rights standards, and to improve the country’s media landscape.
Bangladesh’s media landscape, though diverse, faces significant challenges due to the lack of legal protections for journalists, media ownership influenced by political affiliations, and high levels of self-censorship.
ARTICLE 19 calls on the Interim Government to review and amend repressive laws in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to ensure the freedom of expression, media freedom, and the safety of journalists.
These include:
– –The Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, which grants authorities the power to ban or close newspapers and other publications on grounds of defamation, sedition, acts against sovereignty and decency, among others;
– The Bangladesh Television Authority Act 2001, which provides authorities with strict control over TV broadcasting;
– The Telegraph Act 1885 and the Wireless Telegraph Act 1933, which grant control over the flow of information;
– The Official Secrets Act 1923, which puts restrictions on journalists – especially those working on public interest issues;
– The Censorship of Films Act 1963;
— The Right to Information Act 2009;
– The Cyber Security Act 2023, which allows surveillance of online activities, and strict control on what information and opinions can be published online;
– The Printing Presses and Publications (Declaration and Registration) Act 1973;
– The Penal Code 1860, which refers to defamation, contempt of court, state security, decency and public morality;
– The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act 2006, which applies to national integrity, public order, and diplomatic relations;
– Draft Data Protection Act 2025;
– Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2024, which, if passed, will enable excessive surveillance, content regulation, and potential algorithmic biases that could suppress dissent and independent journalism;
– The Post Office Act 1869;
– The Foreign Relations Act 1932;
– The Special Powers Act 1974;
– The Prohibition of Indecent Advertisement Act 1963;
– The Code of Civil Procedure 1909;
– The Contempt of Court Act 2013;
– Press Council Act 1974
Our other recommendations are as follows:
- Ensure safety of female journalists: The government must initiate a national action plan to ensure the safety of female journalists in Bangladesh, in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
- Ensure the free flow of Information: The government must ensure the free flow of information by avoiding internet shutdowns, content blocking, and filtering, so that citizens’ right to internet freedom and access to information is protected.
- Guarantee adequate salaries and benefits for journalists: Journalists’ professional standards are being adversely affected by inadequate salaries and benefits,. It is essential for the government to coordinate with media owners to establish a fair salary structure, secure working conditions, healthcare, retirement benefits, and workplace safety to encourage journalists to work responsibly.
- Protect and offer legal support for journalists: It is crucial that the government create effective mechanisms for legal action against attacks and threats to journalists, as well as to stop false and harassing lawsuits, so they can continue their work independently and without fear.
ARTICLE 19 urges the Bangladesh government to act on these recommendations and foster a media environment that upholds democracy, transparency, and human rights.