Media Faces Existential Crisis in Bangladesh; Editors say the "Right to Live" is Now the Biggest Concern
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A journalist reporting while standing in front of the office of the 'Prothom Alo' newspaper, which was set on fire by protesters in Bangladesh on December 19. Photo: Piyas Biswas/SOPA Images/IMAGO |
Dhaka: Amidst the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, the media is facing an existential crisis. Editors of leading Bangladeshi newspapers said on Monday that the country's media is fighting for its survival. The question of freedom of expression has taken a backseat, and concern for journalists' "right to live" has become the paramount issue.
The situation was exacerbated by violent attacks, vandalism, and arson on December 19 at the offices of 'Prothom Alo' and 'The Daily Star' in Dhaka. Several journalists and staff members were trapped inside for hours as police and fire services were initially prevented from reaching the scene. These attacks followed the shooting death of journalist Imdadul Haque Milan in Khulna earlier the same day.
"Freedom of expression is no longer the main issue. Now it's about the right to live," said Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, at a conference attended by senior politicians, business leaders, and media owners.
Anam asked, “Bangladesh is in a very bad state right now because its institutions are being challenged and destroyed. Remember, in 53 years, no media office has ever been set on fire. For the first time, the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have been subjected to arson attacks. Why did this happen? What crime did we commit?”
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The editor appealed to political parties to recognize critical journalism as essential for good governance and press freedom. He said that while there is freedom of speech in the country, there is very little space for expressing critical opinions. Mahfuz Anam said, “We need the freedom to criticize. One major lesson from our 53 years of politics is that no government has fully accepted critical journalism. I hope that in the new Bangladesh, you will embrace it.”
The editors stated that the attackers did not ask the journalists to leave the buildings before setting them on fire. 26-27 media personnel were trapped on the roof of The Daily Star building, while the fire brigade was prevented from reaching them. The attacks were aimed at killing journalists and staff, rather than simply protesting against specific newspapers; otherwise, the mob would have asked the journalists to leave before setting the buildings ablaze.
Matiur Rahman, editor of Prothom Alo, said, "No party in Bangladesh tolerates media criticism. Even during the Awami League government's tenure, there were many instances of harassment of journalists. But this time, it has crossed all limits." He described the Awami League's 16-year rule as a difficult time for the media, citing false cases, arrests, changes in ownership, and pressure on newsrooms. He said that the BNP's previous time in power was comparatively more comfortable for the media.
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The editor said, “The BNP is now the largest political force, and the responsibility to protect press freedom rests with them. I think there is a political vacuum in the country at this time. This is a dangerous situation, and it is also somewhat difficult for the BNP.” He also urged leaders and activists to be humble if they return to power.
Condemning the arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, the Bangladesh Students’ League (BSL) said, “This is a direct fascist attack on press freedom. The attempt to burn down The Daily Star building was particularly serious; with staff members trapped inside, it amounts to attempted murder. The harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir further confirms that journalists and independent voices are being systematically targeted.”
Meanwhile, another Bangladeshi journalist, Sushanta Dasgupta, alleged that his house was attacked on December 19. A mob vandalized and looted his home, and his family narrowly escaped with their lives. Sushanta Dasgupta directly blamed the interim government of Muhammad Yunus for the attack. He also stated that he is currently in the UK. Sushanta Dasgupta is the owner of the newspaper 'Amar Habiganj' and is also a leader of the Awami League.
