Bangladesh Government Revokes Press Credentials of Over 50 Journalists Amid Censorship Concerns

The Bangladesh government has revoked the press credentials of more than 50 journalists in a move critics are calling an alarming form of censorship.

The interim Information Ministry of Bangladesh has scrapped the accreditations of over 20 senior journalists on October 30, followed by another 30 on November 3, as reported by VOA.

Among those affected are notable figures such as Zafar Wazed, former director-general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh, and former press minister Shaban Mahmud. Journalists from various outlets, including ATN News, Ekattor TV, and The Dhaka Times, have also lost their credentials. Media watchdogs suggest that many of those targeted were supportive of the ousted Awami League party.

This crackdown follows the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August after 15 years in power, leading to the formation of an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The political upheaval was fueled by mass protests against proposed changes in university admissions policies, which resulted in violent clashes and the deaths of five journalists.

Celia Mercier from Reporters Without Borders emphasized the chilling effect of such actions on media freedom, warning that they could lead to increased self-censorship. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the revocation of credentials, urging the interim authorities to protect press freedom during this critical political transition.

Bangladesh currently ranks 165 out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting a hostile environment for journalists, particularly under the previous administration’s draconian laws.