500+ cases filed against journalists under Bangladesh's Yunus regime: Report
Bangladesh has recorded a sharp deterioration in press freedom since August 5, 2024, with the Anti-Repression Journalist Front documenting over 500 legal cases filed against journalists during the 18-month tenure of the Yunus-led interim government, according to a report by leading Bangladeshi daily Bangla Tribune. Critics have called for an immediate end to what they describe as systematic suppression of the press and the release of journalists held on what they allege are fabricated charges.
Scale of the Crackdown
According to findings cited by Bangla Tribune from the Anti-Repression Journalist Front, the scale of the reported crackdown is sweeping. Nearly 50 journalists have been arrested in connection with these cases, while 13 have reportedly been killed. Additionally, close to 1,200 journalists have been dismissed from their positions, and 168 accreditation cards have been revoked since August 2024.
Reports further indicate that memberships of more than 700 journalists from various press clubs — including the National Press Club — have been suspended or cancelled during the same period. Separately, allegations have surfaced that over 50 journalists have had their bank accounts frozen and have been banned from leaving Bangladesh.
Conditions Inside Prison
Sheikh Jamal, member secretary of the Anti-Repression Journalist Front, told Bangla Tribune that journalists jailed on what he described as
