Bangladesh needs urgent media reforms, says UK-based rights group Article 19

Although Bangladesh has a diverse media landscape, journalists face significant challenges, as politically affiliated owners run the media, carrying out regular self-censorship, it says

File Photo: Media workers can be seen at a press conference in Bangladesh. Reuters

Article 19 has emphasised the need for urgent reforms to foster a media environment that upholds democracy, transparency, and human rights in Bangladesh.

The UK-based rights group submitted several legal and policy reform recommendations to the Bangladesh Media Reform Commission on Feb 23, geared towards preserving press freedom, media independence and strengthening legal protection for Bangladeshi journalists, it said in a statement on its website on Monday.

Although Bangladesh has a diverse media landscape, it faces significant challenges stemming from political partisanship in media ownership, rampant self-censorship and lack of legal protection for journalists, according to Article 19.

Despite acknowledging the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s efforts to improve the media environment, the group has proposed some amendments to the current repressive media laws in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, or ICCPR, to guarantee freedom of expression, media freedom, and the safety of journalists.

Among the statutes under Article 19's scrutiny are the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, which grants authorities the power to ban or close newspapers and other publications, the Bangladesh Television Authority Act 2001, which provides authorities with strict control over TV broadcasting, and the Official Secrets Act 1923, which puts restrictions on journalists -- especially those working on public interest issues.

The NGO also flags the Cyber Security Act 2023, which controls what information and opinions can be published online, the Penal Code 1860, referring to defamation, contempt of court, state security, decency and public morality, the Information and Communication Technology Act 2006, the Draft Data Protection Act 2025, and the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2024, which would "allow excessive surveillance and content regulation" if passed.

Additionally, Article 19 called on the interim government to ensure the safety of female journalists, as well as the free flow of information by avoiding internet shutdowns, content blocking, and filtering. The group has also asked the government to increase the support provided to journalists in the form of adequate salaries, benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans, and legal support to avoid unnecessary lawsuits.