How is Bangladesh Ensuring Journalist Safety During Elections?
Synopsis
As Bangladesh gears up for its national elections, the Editors' Council is calling on political parties and authorities to protect journalists. With increasing political violence, ensuring the safety of reporters is more critical than ever. Discover how the country plans to safeguard media personnel on the frontline.
Key Takeaways
Editors' Council calls for journalist safety during elections.
Political violence in Bangladesh has risen sharply.
Urgent measures are needed to protect reporters.
All parties must collaborate to ensure safety.
Journalists are critical to democracy and free speech.
Dhaka, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Editors' Council of Bangladesh has called upon local authorities and political factions to guarantee the protection of journalists covering the national elections scheduled for February 12, according to reports from local media on Thursday.
In a statement released on Thursday, the council emphasized, "Journalists encounter numerous hazards while fulfilling their responsibilities of gathering and distributing news during elections, and ensuring their safety and security is a critical concern at this juncture," as reported by the prominent daily, The Daily Star.
It appealed to the interim government, the Election Commission, and associated law enforcement bodies to ensure the safety of journalists during the election coverage, and urged political parties to assume a crucial role in safeguarding reporters.
The Editors' Council expressed optimism that all involved parties would recognize the significance of this matter and take appropriate measures to secure the safety of journalists. The statement was co-signed by the council's President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
As the pivotal elections approach, political violence in Bangladesh has escalated sharply, with casualty figures in January showing a significant increase compared to December 2025, as reported by a Dhaka-based human rights organization.
According to its latest report, the rights group Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) documented a rise in political violence in January, with 75 incidents resulting in 616 injuries and 11 fatalities, a stark contrast to the 18 incidents in December 2025 that resulted in 268 injuries and four deaths.
The report indicated heightened clashes following the announcement of the election schedule and the commencement of campaigning on January 22.
ASK noted that during the period from January 21-31, four individuals lost their lives and 414 others were injured in 49 clashes, highlighting a distinct upward trend as polling day approaches.
The rights organization also documented that journalists have been among those targeted amidst the escalating political violence, with 11 journalists16 in January, as reported by The Daily Star.
Expressing concern over the increasing violence, the rights group urged political parties to demonstrate restraint and uphold peace during the campaigning period. It also called upon law enforcement agencies to protect citizens and uphold their constitutional rights.
Point of View
The safety of journalists during elections is paramount. The media plays a crucial role in informing the public, and any threats to their safety undermine democracy. It is essential that all stakeholders prioritize the security of journalists to ensure free and fair elections.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is journalist safety important during elections?
Journalist safety is crucial during elections as they provide essential information to the public. Threats to their safety can hinder the free flow of information and undermine democratic processes.
What actions are being taken to protect journalists in Bangladesh?
The Editors' Council has urged the government and political parties to ensure the safety of journalists covering the elections, emphasizing the need for protective measures and support.
What has been the recent trend in political violence in Bangladesh?
Recent reports indicate a significant increase in political violence, with January seeing a rise in incidents and casualties compared to December, which raises concerns about safety for journalists and citizens alike.
