Protect freedom of expression as Bangladesh goes to the polls
Next week, 18 months after massive protests prompted the end of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s long rule and an interim government took charge, Bangladesh goes to the polls.
The people of Bangladesh must have a free, fair, and safe election – and the interim government must make it a priority.
At the heart of this is the protection of journalists, ensuring a safe, open environment conducive to free, independent reporting.
And yet this safety continues to be compromised. Only this week, security flaws with an online media accreditation meant the personal data – photographs, signatures, identity card details, and documents – of at least 14,000 journalists were released to the public for hours.
This breach impacts journalists’ privacy and safety. But more than that, it erodes public trust in digital governance and damages the credibility of institutions tasked with safeguarding democratic processes.
The government and the Election Commission of Bangladesh must take immediate steps to protect sensitive information.
Authorities must also uphold transparency and due process. However, the recent move to usher in new media and broadcasting bodies and put the government in direct control of the media undermines this, and is a direct threat to freedom of expression.
The fast-track plans, which exclude freelance media workers from being defined as ‘journalists’, deprive a substantial segment of the media community of access to legal protections, accreditation, and safety measures. Journalists help defend democracy, delivering essential news and information to the voting public and the international community. We need them, and their vital work, at this crucial time.
People in Bangladesh have endured years of corruption, and crackdowns on freedom of expression and other human rights. The elections on 12 February offer an opportunity for change.
The current administration must honour its previous – so far unfulfilled – promises to restore fundamental freedoms. This must start with ensuring a free and fair election, protecting journalists and the right to freedom of expression throughout the nation.
