JMBF firmly believes that the registration of 14 politically motivated and false cases against 37 members of the press—including charges of murder, extortion, and cyber crimes—represents a severe violation of human rights. This egregious assault on freedom of speech and the fundamental rights of the press is an affront to the very principles of democracy. These actions, which have implicated journalists across the country, appear to be part of a coordinated effort to suppress critical voices in the wake of the anti-discrimination student movement and the political shift following the fall of the Hasina government.
JMBF asserts that criminal charges against journalists alongside political figures in connection with these crimes are deeply troubling and indicate a grave misuse of legal frameworks designed to intimidate and silence those who are essential to upholding democracy. The targeting of journalists under the guise of legal action represents a dangerous precedent that threatens the very fabric of a free society.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser to JMBF, stated, "The targeting of journalists in Bangladesh during this interim government under the guise of legal action is not only an attack on the individuals involved but on the very fabric of democracy. A free press is the cornerstone of any democratic society, and the persecution of those who dare to speak truth to power is a direct assault on the rights and freedoms that we hold dear. The international community must stand in solidarity with these journalists and demand that the Bangladesh government respects its obligations under international law to protect, not persecute, those who work to inform the public."
JMBF is also alarmed by the accusations against 32 senior journalists who have been brought before the International Criminal Tribunal alongside political figures for accusations of genocide during the anti-discrimination student movement. These charges are baseless and reflect a dangerous trend of weaponizing the judiciary to settle political scores.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, the Founder President of JMBF, emphasized, "We must not remain silent in the face of such blatant injustice. The press is not the enemy—it is the voice of the people. The cases filed against these journalists are not about justice; they are about silencing those who dare to hold power accountable. This must not stand. We call on the Bangladesh government to immediately withdraw these false charges, release those who have been unjustly detained, and cease all forms of harassment against journalists."
JMBF stands in full solidarity with the journalists of Bangladesh who are currently facing unprecedented repression. We demand an immediate and impartial investigation into these charges and call for those responsible for this travesty to be held accountable. The right to free speech and a free press are non-negotiable pillars of democracy, and any attempt to undermine them must be met with unified and resolute opposition.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) will continue to monitor this situation closely and work with international human rights organizations to ensure that the voices of these courageous journalists are not silenced. We urge the international community to take a firm stance against these actions and support efforts to protect press freedom in Bangladesh.
Details of the Situation:
According to news reports from various sources in Bangladesh, JMBF has learned that at least 14 politically motivated, false, and fabricated cases have been registered against 37 journalists across various districts following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5, 2024. These cases involve serious charges, including three murder cases in Dhaka, one each in Bogra and Gazipur, two murders and three shootings in Jaipurhat, an explosives case in Sylhet, a murder and vandalism case in Rangpur, and a case under the Extortion and Cyber Act in Rajshahi. These legal actions have emerged in the aftermath of the Hasina government's fall during the anti-discrimination student movement, leading to a total of 37 journalists being implicated.
In Gazipur, five local journalists have been charged alongside Awami League leaders in connection with a murder case in the Konabari area. The journalists accused in this case are M. Tushari, a correspondent for Daily Samakal in Kaliakoi; Md. Shahidul Islam, the Gazipur correspondent for Bangla TV; M. Momin Rana, the Gazipur correspondent for Daily Bhorer Dak; Md. Kabir Hossain, the Gazipur correspondent for Desh Patrika of Daily Time; and Mokhlesur Rahman, the Konabari Thana representative for a daily morning newspaper.
In Joypurhat, seven journalists have been named in five cases filed on behalf of those killed or injured during the student movement. Among the accused are Alamgir Chowdhury, district representative of Kaler Kantha; Rafiqul Islam of ATN Bangla; Harunor Rashid, staff reporter of Channel 24; Mahfuzar Rahman of Nagrik Television; Sumon Chowdhury, Panchbibi Upazila representative of Kaler Kantha; and local journalists Abdur Razzak and Milon Hossain from Kshetlal. Alamgir Chowdhury has been implicated in four cases of murder and shooting injuries, with threats of further charges looming.
Earlier, on August 22, 2024, seven esteemed journalists, including Mozammel Haque Babu, Syed Ishtiaque Reza, Ahmed Jobaer, Munni Saha, Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, and Nayeemul Islam Khan, were accused in connection with the tragic death of a student during the protests in Jatrabari, Dhaka on July 19, 2024. Among them, Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed were arrested, sending shockwaves through the journalistic community.
Additionally, on August 29th, lawyer MH Ghazi Tamim filed a complaint with the International Criminal Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 52 others, including 32 senior journalists, for alleged massacres during the July student movement. On the same day, Abdur Razzak, the father of a student killed in the movement, filed another complaint accusing 30 journalists of genocide.
For further information, please contact:
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org; Website: www.jmbf.org
============================================================ JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
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