CPJ calls for immediate release of four journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the immediate release of four journalists arrested in the aftermath of the July Uprising, urging the government to fulfill its manifesto commitments regarding press freedom.

The New York-based international media watchdog sent a formal letter to Law Minister Asaduzzaman on Monday, expressing hope that the BNP-led administration would move beyond the "politically motivated" legal practices seen in the past.

The four journalists in question are Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Haq Babu, and Shyamal Dutta.

In the letter, CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Programme Coordinator Kunal Majumder noted that the initial months of the new administration offered "encouraging signals" on press freedom.

 “The Bangladesh Nationalist Party's manifesto commitments -- to withdraw politically motivated cases against journalists, review restrictive media laws, and strengthen protections for media workers -- gave many observers, CPJ included, reason for optimism. It is in that context that we respectfully bring this matter to your attention,” the letter read.

All four journalists have been detained for over 18 months on murder charges.

CPJ, however, asserted that after reviewing documentation and testimony from international counsel, "no credible evidence has been presented and no chargesheet has been served".

The organisation noted that the pattern of these cases appears closely tied to the journalists' reporting and perceived political affiliations.

 “…the very kind of practice your government has publicly signalled an intention to move beyond,” Majumder wrote.

The CPJ highlighted concerns about the deteriorating health and alleged mistreatment of the detainees.

Rupa was reportedly held for two weeks in November 2024 in a “condemnation cell” typically used for death-row inmates.

Shyamal suffered a stroke shortly after his arrest in September 2024, and his family was not immediately informed, his pre-existing heart condition and severe sleep apnea have also allegedly been neglected in custody, according to the letter.

Babu, a prostate cancer survivor who underwent major surgery in late 2023, has not received necessary follow-up care since his arrest, raising concerns about a possible recurrence of the disease, the CPS notes.

Citing Article 39 of the Bangladesh Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the CPJ urged the law ministry to coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure immediate medical care for the journalists.

The organisation requested the government to consider dropping all charges and allowing the journalists to return to their families, saying that a resolution would be received internationally as a "clear demonstration of the reforms your government has pledged to pursue".