BNN Asia says Bangladesh saw calmer press freedom situation in March-April

Bangladesh presented a relatively calm picture regarding press freedom during March and April 2026, with no reported incidents of attacks, threats, killings, or orchestrated harassment against journalists, BNN Asia said in a statement.

According to the statement, indicators of political, social, and economic security showed noticeable improvement during the period, while state surveillance, police harassment, fear of punishment, and arbitrary control significantly receded.

BNN Asia said the current BNP-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in power since February 2026, has made several public commitments to support journalists and develop the media sector. The government has emphasised press freedom, the safety and welfare of journalists, and the enhancement of their professional dignity, it said.

In a meeting with newspaper owners, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that his administration believes in a free and independent media, the statement said. He assured that the government does not consider journalists or media outlets as enemies and pledged to fully guarantee press freedom. He also committed to holding regular meetings with editors.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has referred to the “Journalists’ Rights Protection Ordinance 2025”, which remains a draft and has not yet been passed into law as of May 2026, BNN Asia said. The minister also promised to establish a “National Journalist Retirement Welfare Board” to ensure financial security, welfare, and benefits for journalists in their old age.

However, the period was not entirely without incidents, the statement noted. On 24 April 2026, several journalists covering news in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area were harassed by activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. In protest, the Dhaka University Journalists Association announced a boycott of all JCD programmes.

During March and April, at least two journalists were arrested and cases were filed against two others, BNN Asia said.

The television channel One, which was shut down during the previous Sheikh Hasina government, resumed broadcasting in April, according to the statement.

Despite the absence of visible government pressure, many mainstream media outlets continue to practise self-censorship, avoiding or blacking out stories that could embarrass those in power, BNN Asia said. As a result, the general public is increasingly turning to social media for news and information, it added.