Study warns of rising risks for journalists in 2026 Bangladesh elections

A new study has warned of rising physical and digital risks for journalists during the 2026 national elections in Bangladesh.

As per a media statement issued by Digitally Right, the study titled “High Risks, Low Preparedness: Journalist Safety in 2026 Elections” has found that reporters across the country expect violence, intimidation and harassment in what is anticipated to be a highly polarised election period.

The findings were presented by Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, managing director of Digitally Right, at a roundtable meeting at The Daily Stat Centre in Dhaka attended by editors and senior media managers.

The statement said the study draws on a survey of 201 journalists from 19 districts and 10 in-depth interviews.

It added that 89 percent of respondents expect assault or beatings while covering election events, 76 percent anticipate verbal harassment and 71 percent fear intimidation.

Threats are more acute for women journalists, with 50 percent fearing sexual harassment and 40 percent fearing sexual assault.

Digitally Right said digital harassment is also expected to intensify.

It noted that 75 percent of journalists anticipate disinformation campaigns aimed at them or their newsrooms, while 65 percent fear hacking attempts.

Women reported significantly higher concerns about online harassment and surveillance, and more than half of all respondents anticipate smear campaigns that could damage their credibility.

Despite the high-risk environment, most newsrooms appear unprepared, the statement said.

Respondents said there is often no designated person or system to manage safety threats, and less than one in four journalists report receiving safety gear or training from their employers. Digital safety protocols are largely absent, with 77 percent reporting no such measures in place.

The survey indicated that male journalists are nearly three times more likely than women to have a personal safety plan.

According to the statement, more than 90 percent of respondents identified political actors as the primary source of violence or harassment during election coverage.

It added that law-enforcing agencies and extreme religious groups are also cited as significant threats, particularly by women and regional correspondents.

Rising risks were linked to “political labelling, declining trust in media, extremism, mob violence, weak law enforcement responses, and targeted disinformation campaigns”.

The study outlines several areas where additional measures could strengthen journalist safety during the election period, including practical physical and digital safety training, clear newsroom protocols and systems, gender-sensitive protections, and improved access to emergency and legal support.

Reaz Ahmed, editor of Dhaka Tribune, said the media owners are unconcerned about the physical safety of reporters. They are aware of the risks, but unwilling to invest in it. As a result, journalists must ensure their own safety through self-regulation and their own safety measures.

Assignment Editor of Jamuna Television Roksana Anzuman Nicole noted that journalists routinely face threats linked to their reporting.

She added that these risks are even more pronounced for women reporters, who are frequently subjected to sexually targeted abuse and online harassment intended to silence or discredit them.

Zakir Hossain, associate editor of Samakal, underscored that perpetrators who harass or attack journalists are often protected by political parties.

He added, if parties publicly commit to letting journalists do their jobs freely during the election, without obstruction or threats, it could be a step forward to ensuring journalist safety.

Among others, the discussion was attended by M Abul Kalam Azad, editor of Times of Bangladesh; Sheikh Sabiha Alam, bureau chief of AFP; Mustafizur Rahman, chief reporter of New Age; Jahidul Kabir, chief news editor of bdnews24.com; Elias Hossain, chief news editor of RTV; and Shahnaz Sharmeen, special correspondent of Ekattor Television. Maria Petersson, project coordinator (Asia) of Fojo Media Institute, joined the roundtable discussion online.