PAKISTAN READER

Nithin V Nithin V is a postgraduate student in International Relations, with an interest in geopolitics, international political economy, and climate governance. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.Â

On 30 April, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the World Press Freedom Index on the state of media freedom globally. As per the report, Bangladesh ranked 152 out of 180 countries in 2026 compared to its 2025 position at 149. The country has a wide and politically active media landscape with nearly 3000 print media, 30 television channels, and 30 radio stations. Among the newspapers, Bengali-language newspapers are the most popular among the population. Additionally, majority of the urban youth and politically active audiences are active on social media. 

The following are the four key takeaways from RSF’s assessment of press freedom in Bangladesh.

1. Digital security laws are the central to media restrictions
As per the RSF report, there is an increasing use of legal mechanisms to regulate journalism and online expression, including detention or intimidation. The report also highlights that the government has built broad powers into Bangladesh’s digital security framework, which it cites as efforts to control misinformation and maintain public order. However, journalists and rights organizations argue that these measures aim to silence criticism of the government and discourage investigative reporting. The report cites Bangladesh's Cyber Security Act as one of the most restrictive legal frameworks for journalists in South Asia. State authorities can search, arrest, and seize journalists' electronic devices, but they have limited judicial safeguards. This creates fear among journalists and weakens freedom of expression. The report also noted that state authorities have extended their focus from traditional media to online platforms, with digital spaces being increasingly monitored in recent years. 

2. Political polarisation has weakened independent journalism
The country’s political environment has been deeply divided, and this division has strongly influenced the media landscape over the years. This report underscores a strong relationship between political polarization and the corresponding restrictions on journalism in Bangladesh. The report notes that many media organizations are observed to be politically aligned, leading to the erosion of public trust in media neutrality and the role of media as an independent democratic institution. The report also highlights the difficulties faced by journalists in covering the election-related events and political protests, including threats of harassment, attacks, and restrictions in reporting dissent against the government. Such instances have limited balanced reporting and reduced public access to independent information. The report also highlights that female journalists and independent reporters working on digital platforms are more vulnerable to abuse and intimidation. 

3. Journalist safety and self-censorship remain serious concerns
The RSF report highlighted that the safety of journalists is a matter of concern and those who work on politically sensitive issues are frequently facing threats, intimidation, arrests, and violence. Hence, the journalists, fearing retaliation, are forced to self-censor, leading to a growing culture of caution. In addition, the report also mentioned the attacks against journalists involved in covering protests and controversial political developments. Consequentially, public debates become narrower and less critical because the citizens receive limited independent perspectives on governance, elections, and public policy. 

4. Economic and institutional pressures are limiting media independence
Bangladesh's media sector is in a stage of growing economic and institutional vulnerability as many media organizations operate under financial pressures. They often remain dependent on political connections, corporate support, or even state-linked financial support through advertisements for survival. This has weakened editorial independence and, in turn, reduced the ability of journalists to report freely on sensitive issues. The report also suggests that the smaller independent media outlets are more vulnerable due to their financial insecurity. Economic pressures often work indirectly as a method of media control. Overall, it is observed that the press freedom in Bangladesh is not only shaped by laws and political frameworks but also by economic dependence and institutional insecurity. 

References:
“Bangladesh,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 30 April 2026

“Will Bangladesh Prioritise Press Freedom in its Democratic Renewal?,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF), May 2026 

“Bangladesh: Defending Free Expression and Electoral Integrity in the Digital Age,” ARTICLE 19, 18 June 2025

“Bangladesh Journalists Face Threats from Attacks, Investigations, and Looming Cyber Laws,” Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 17 February 2025

“Bangladesh: Freedom in the World 2026 Country Report,” Freedom House, 30 April 2026
“Bangladesh: Freedom on the Net 2025 Country Report,” Freedom House, 2025

“New Analysis of Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act Reveals Lessons for the Future of Press Freedom,” Center for Journalism & Liberty, 23 November 2025

“Bangladesh: UN Report Highlights Repression by Former Government as Journalists Targeted and Draft Cybersecurity Ordinance Raises Concerns,” CIVICUS Monitor, 03 March 2025 

“Press Freedom in Bangladesh | Media Repression in Bangladesh,” Global Center for Democracy & Governance, 11 November 2025
 

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