Bangladesh: 162 Journalists Reportedly Attacked, Threatened or Harassed in Three Months

The findings, reported by the *Dhaka Tribune*, point to continuing concerns over the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in the country. August recorded the highest number of incidents during the three months.

According to the MID report, 50 journalists were affected in 39 incidents during July. The number rose to 67 journalists across 44 incidents in August, before falling to 45 journalists in 29 incidents in September.

Physical attacks and death threats were among the most frequently reported forms of intimidation. Death threats accounted for 48.7 per cent of incidents recorded in July, while physical attacks represented 28.2 per cent.

Physical violence became more prominent in August, accounting for 63.6 per cent of reported incidents. In September, physical attacks and threats each represented 37.9 per cent of the incidents documented by MID.

The incidents recorded during the period included reports of shootings, attacks on journalists' homes and offices, criminal cases and abductions.

Print journalists were the most affected group, particularly reporters working in the field and outside major urban centres. Of the 162 journalists covered in the report, 89 worked for daily newspapers, 53 for television networks and 20 for online news organisations.

The reported incidents occurred across more than 30 districts of Bangladesh. The Dhaka, Chittagong, Sirajganj, Barisal and Sylhet regions recorded comparatively higher numbers of cases.

MID also expressed concern over what it described as insufficient legal action against those accused of attacking or threatening journalists.

The organisation called for authorities to ensure journalists' safety by investigating reported incidents promptly and impartially and taking legal action against those found responsible.

The findings come amid broader concerns over the working environment for journalists in Bangladesh, where reporters and media organisations have faced pressure and threats while covering political and social developments.