640 Journalists Targeted Under Yunus-Led Bangladesh Government
At least 640 journalists have been targeted in Bangladesh during the first eight months of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, according to a report released on World Press Freedom Day. The findings point to an alarming pattern of systematic suppression of media freedoms in the country.
Breakdown of the Crackdown
Between August 2024 and March 2025, the crackdown on the press included the following actions:
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182 journalists faced criminal cases.
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206 journalists were physically assaulted.
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167 journalists had their accreditation withdrawn.
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85 senior journalists were subjected to financial scrutiny by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit.
The scope and coordination of these actions suggest an intentional effort to silence independent journalism.
Government’s Stance and International Reactions
While the Yunus-led interim administration has publicly committed to press reforms and established a Media Reform Commission, critics argue these efforts are largely symbolic. Global media watchdogs and human rights organizations have strongly condemned the targeting of journalists and demanded the government immediately halt these violations and guarantee the safety and independence of the press.
Broader Political Context
This clampdown on journalism coincides with a wider period of political volatility in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government, while tasked with restoring democratic order, is being accused of suppressing dissent, curbing civil liberties, and silencing opposing voices through intimidation, legal persecution, and physical violence.
Calls for Action
International bodies and rights groups are calling for urgent intervention to restore press freedom in Bangladesh. They stress the need for legal safeguards, institutional accountability, and an end to the use of state apparatus against journalists. As the world watches closely, the Yunus administration faces mounting pressure to uphold democratic norms and protect the fundamental rights of its citizens.
