Journalism has long been a cornerstone of democracy and a means of holding power to account. However, in recent years, the safety of journalists has been severely compromised, with targeted violence becoming an alarming trend globally.
The 2024 Round-Up report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has brought to light a sobering reality: Bangladesh is now the third most dangerous country for journalists, trailing only Palestine and Pakistan.
This revelation underscores the deteriorating state of press freedom and the escalating risks faced by media professionals in the region.
A Grim Year for Journalists: The Numbers Tell the Story
The 2024 RSF report paints a distressing picture of the dangers journalists face in Bangladesh. Over the year, 54 journalists worldwide lost their lives while performing their duties, with 5 of these deaths occurring in Bangladesh.
The numbers may seem small compared to Palestine’s 16 or Pakistan’s 7, but the implications are profound. These deaths are not accidents; they are deliberate acts aimed at silencing inconvenient voices.
The political unrest in Bangladesh during 2024 played a significant role in this tragic statistic. Protests against a controversial public job quota system spiraled into widespread violence, culminating in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Journalists, often at the forefront of documenting such turmoil, became direct targets. Security forces were reported to have attacked media professionals intentionally to suppress coverage of the mass uprising.
The deaths of journalists like Mehedi Hasan of Dhaka Times and newsroom editor Sarah Rahanum highlight the perilous conditions under which reporters operate.
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Hasan was killed while covering violent clashes in Dhaka, and Rahanum’s body was found in Hatirjheel Lake, sparking outrage and fear among her peers. These incidents exemplify the risks journalists face simply for doing their jobs.
The Global Context: A Dangerous Profession
While Bangladesh’s ranking as the third most dangerous country for journalists is alarming, the global situation is equally troubling. Palestine remains the most hazardous, with 16 journalists killed in 2024 alone.
The conflict between Hamas and Israel has created a perilous environment for reporters, with the Gaza region becoming a deadly hotspot. Since October 2023, when Hamas launched its attacks on Israeli civilians, 35 journalists have lost their lives in connection with their work.
Pakistan, too, has been a dangerous zone for journalists. The 2024 RSF report records seven journalist deaths in the country, many during protests and clashes.
The data underscores Asia’s position as the region with the second-highest number of journalist murders, following closely behind conflict-ridden zones like the Middle East.
Globally, the RSF report reveals a disturbing trend of increasing violence against journalists. Over half of the journalists killed in 2024 lost their lives while reporting from conflict zones. Countries like Mexico, Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine have also seen a surge in journalist deaths, highlighting the universal risks of this profession.
The Need for Urgent Action
The RSF report’s findings are a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect journalists and uphold press freedom. The targeting of journalists in Bangladesh reflects a broader pattern of repression and authoritarianism.
The interim government has acknowledged that Islamist groups have launched targeted attacks on minorities and media professionals since Sheikh Hasina’s fall. This admission, while significant, does little to reassure journalists who continue to face threats.
Moreover, Bangladesh’s security forces have been implicated in suppressing media coverage and intimidating journalists. Such actions are direct violations of international law and a grave affront to the principles of democracy and free speech.
As Thibaut Bruttin, Director General of RSF, aptly stated, “Dying is not an acceptable risk of journalism.” His words underscore the need for accountability and systemic change.
Beyond Bangladesh, the plight of detained, kidnapped, and missing journalists worldwide demands attention. The RSF report highlights China, Myanmar, and Israel as the top countries for detaining journalists, with 124, 61, and 41 journalists held, respectively.
In addition, 55 journalists were held hostage in 2024, primarily in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. These figures reveal a global crisis that requires concerted efforts to address.
The rise of Bangladesh as the third most dangerous country for journalists is a chilling development that underscores the growing threats to press freedom globally. From targeted killings to detentions and kidnappings, the dangers faced by journalists have reached unprecedented levels.
The international community must act decisively to protect journalists and uphold their right to report without fear of violence or repression. Only through such efforts can we ensure that the vital role of journalism in a democratic society is preserved.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏