Bangladesh's Freedom of Expression in Crisis: UN Sounds Alarm
Bangladesh finds itself in a dire state regarding freedom of expression, with a score of 12 out of 100, the lowest in South Asia. The UN Human Rights Council and international organisation ARTICLE 19 have sounded the alarm, urging the nation to take meaningful steps towards reform.
Journalists in Bangladesh grapple with intimidation, detention, violence, and digital rights violations, including surveillance and content takedowns. The upcoming national election in February 2026 underscores the urgency of the situation. New draft legislation, such as the Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025, threatens to further restrict speech and expand state power. ARTICLE 19's Global Expression Report highlights systematic failures in 25 internationally recognised areas.
To shift from this crisis, Bangladesh must adopt a multi-faceted approach. This includes law reform with civic participation, repealing or reworking restrictive provisions, establishing independent regulatory bodies, ensuring accountability for attacks on journalists, protecting digital rights, supporting pluralistic and local media, implementing gender and intersectional safeguards, promoting civic education, and leveraging international norms and pressure.
Bangladesh's low score and the international community's concern underscore the need for immediate action. The interim government has a unique opportunity to enact reforms before the upcoming election. Failure to do so may further jeopardise Bangladesh's civic fabric and expressive rights.
