Bangladeshi Journalists Rally Against Death Threats to Investigative Reporter

Tuhin Sarwar Bangladesh:

Bangladeshi Journalists Condemn Death Threats Against Colleagues

Gazipur, Bangladesh - On March 7, 2025, a large number of journalists from across Gazipur and Shreepur came together to form a human chain in protest of the death threats issued against Md. Mojahid, a journalist with Naya Diganta daily. The threats were made in response to Mojahid’s investigative report, which exposed significant irregularities and extortion activities carried out by the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), known as Chhatra Dal, at Shreepur Government College. This report had shined a light on the corruption within the educational institution and its connection with influential political figures, which has drawn the ire of those involved.

Md. Mojahid, who works for the multimedia department of Naya Diganta, has faced grave consequences for his dedication to reporting on corruption and political malfeasance. His exposé about Chhatra Dal’s extortion rackets at Shreepur College allegedly angered local party members, prompting the threat to his life. The threat serves as a stark reminder of the rising dangers faced by journalists in Bangladesh, where media professionals often encounter hostility for reporting on issues involving political power and corruption.

The protest on March 7 was a powerful demonstration of solidarity and a public condemnation of the violence and threats directed towards journalists. Journalists from various print and electronic media outlets across the region gathered to form a human chain in the heart of Gazipur and Shreepur. Among the journalists who participated in the protest was Shahan Shahabuddin, a well-known reporter from Bhorer Kagoj. Shahan Shahabuddin spoke passionately during the demonstration, expressing deep concern over the growing number of threats and attacks against journalists in the country. He condemned the actions taken against Mojahid and demanded that the government take immediate action to ensure the safety of journalists.

“We are witnessing a dangerous trend in Bangladesh, where the safety and security of journalists are continually at risk,” Shahabuddin said. “The threats against Mojahid are not just an attack on one individual but an assault on press freedom and democracy itself. The government must protect journalists, who are the backbone of a free press that holds those in power accountable,” he emphasized. Shahabuddin also underscored the critical role the media plays in upholding freedom of expression and serving as a watchdog for society.

Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, another journalist from Khabarer Alo, also spoke during the protest. Bhuiyan criticized the widespread culture of impunity in Bangladesh, which he believes has contributed to an environment where journalists face continued harassment and violence without fear of repercussions. He expressed concern that this culture of impunity emboldens those who attack journalists, knowing that the chances of facing justice are slim.

“The government must put an end to this culture of impunity,” Bhuiyan said. “If we continue to allow those responsible for attacking journalists to go unpunished, we are setting a dangerous precedent. Journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.”

The protest attracted many prominent journalists from various media organizations. Among the notable attendees were Abul Kalam Azad of Naya Diganta, M.M. Faruk from Ittefaq, Faisal Khan from Desh Rupantor, Abdul Latif Master from Amader Soumya, Fazle Momin from Boishakhi TV, Ratul Mahfuz Khan from Boishakhi TV, and Md. Hasan from Asian TV. Their presence at the protest signified the unity among Bangladesh’s press community in the face of growing threats to their profession.

The human chain participants were vocal in demanding that the authorities immediately arrest the individuals responsible for issuing the death threats against Mojahid and hold them accountable for their actions. They also called for exemplary punishment to deter further attacks on journalists. The protestors urged the government to demonstrate a commitment to protecting press freedom by taking firm action against those who try to silence the media.

In addition to the protest, a disturbing video had gone viral on social media, further inflaming the situation. The video showed around 40-50 individuals, reportedly members of Chhatra Dal, marching through the streets while chanting slogans calling for Mojahid’s death. The protesters appeared to be retaliating against Mojahid’s report, and their explicit threats to kill him for exposing corruption were chilling. The video sparked outrage among journalists and the general public, intensifying the demand for swift action by the government.

The viral video not only highlighted the danger faced by Mojahid but also revealed the growing climate of intolerance and aggression towards journalists in Bangladesh. Many netizens and media professionals have since joined the calls for justice, with widespread support for the journalist and condemnation of those responsible for the threats.

This incident has reignited fears that journalists in Bangladesh are becoming increasingly vulnerable to violence, intimidation, and even death threats for their work. The journalists who participated in the protest are united in their demand for justice and an end to the culture of impunity that enables such threats and violence to go unpunished.

The protest was a clear statement that journalists will not be silenced by threats, and they will continue to fight for their right to report the truth and serve as a voice for the public. It is a reminder that freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy and that any attack on journalists is an attack on democracy itself. The ongoing solidarity among the press community serves as a powerful message to the government that protecting journalists is essential to maintaining a free and fair society.

The authorities now face mounting pressure to act swiftly in addressing the threats against Mojahid and to ensure that journalists across the country can continue their work without fear of retaliation.