Official X handle of ALBD Media Cell. Email [email protected]
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Joined February 2025
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#BNP Govt set to significantly expand its capabilities to block and filter online content, including material posted on #socialmedia platforms and websites deemed to constitute “anti-government propaganda”.
The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, which approved a proposal titled “Expansion of Content Blocking and Filtering System (Phase-1)” for the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC).
The project is set to be implemented through a contract awarded to supplier Global Brand, involving the procurement of equipment and services from various int’l tech brands, at a total cost of Tk 949.05 million (approximately US$7.7 million).
However, the official meeting documents did not specify the precise products, technologies, or #surveillance systems that would be acquired under the agreement.
News:
thefinancialexpress.com.bd/s…
The move comes amid renewed scrutiny of the #NTMC’s surveillance activities, particularly longstanding allegations regarding the monitoring of citizens’ private communications under previous governments.
The expansion of the agency’s technical capabilities also coincides with a growing number of arrests linked to online expression. Over the past three months, multiple individuals have reportedly been arrested for social media posts or online content critical of the government, ruling party figures, or senior state officials, including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Chief Whip, and other politicians.
The combination of enhanced surveillance and content-filtering capabilities, together with an increasingly aggressive willingness to prosecute individuals over allegedly “anti-government” online content, has raised serious concerns among #humanrights activists and digital rights advocates.
Critics warn that such measures risk enabling broader censorship, suppressing dissent, and undermining fundamental rights to #privacy and freedom of expression. Concerns have also been raised about the potential lack of transparency, judicial oversight, and accountability surrounding the deployment of these expanded surveillance and filtering mechanisms.
Taken together, these developments have intensified fears that #Bangladesh may be moving toward a significantly more restrictive and heavily monitored digital environment, where criticism of the government or ruling party could increasingly become subject to surveillance, censorship, and/or criminal prosecution.
…
#BangladeshCrisis #RIghtToPrivacy #FreedomOfExpression @amnestysasia @hrw @ESandersFCDO @BonaveroIHR @StateDRL @EURightsAgency @UNHumanRights @HRF @volker_turk @article19org @techglobalinst @Irenekhan @accessnow @AUDRights @EFF @edri @privacyint @EPICprivacy @calyxinstitute @AJListeningPost @orfonline
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
The number keeps changing.
1,400. 844. 836. Now questions over 52 more names.
As contradictions grow around the so-called “July martyrs” list, many are asking: who is being counted, and why?
Meanwhile, families of murdered political activists and police officers still wait for justice.
Justice cannot be selective.
Every victim deserves accountability — regardless of politics.
#Bangladesh #Justice #HumanRights #Accountability
A heartbreaking reality we cannot afford to ignore.
In just 16 months (January 2025 – April 2026), nearly 1,900 children in Bangladesh became victims of horrific violence, including 580 cases of rape and 483 tragic deaths.
Behind every statistic is a name - Ramisa, Achia, Lamia, Fahima - and a shattered family demanding justice. Right groups like the Human Rights Support Society warn that a broken trial system, weak enforcement, and a culture of impunity are failing our most vulnerable.
A society is judged by how it protects its children. We must break the silence, demand legal accountability, and end the impunity.
Justice cannot wait. ⚖️🇧🇩
#Bangladesh #ChildSafetyCrisis #JusticeForChildren #HumanRights
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
A heartbreaking reality we cannot afford to ignore.
In just 16 months (January 2025 – April 2026), nearly 1,900 children in Bangladesh became victims of horrific violence, including 580 cases of rape and 483 tragic deaths.
Behind every statistic is a name - Ramisa, Achia, Lamia, Fahima - and a shattered family demanding justice. Right groups like the Human Rights Support Society warn that a broken trial system, weak enforcement, and a culture of impunity are failing our most vulnerable.
A society is judged by how it protects its children. We must break the silence, demand legal accountability, and end the impunity.
Justice cannot wait. ⚖️🇧🇩
#Bangladesh #ChildSafetyCrisis #JusticeForChildren #HumanRights
Bloody Ukhiya: The Death of a Mother, or the Blunt Reflection of an Unjust State?
——
Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar - once known for tourism, border politics, and the Rohingya crisis - is once again making headlines over allegations of horrific political violence.
On Saturday night, May 16, 2026, around 9:30 PM, an incident unfolded in the Thaingkhali-Thaipalong area of Ukhiya that has shaken not just one family, but the entire community. According to reports published in various media outlets, leaders and activists of the #BNP were accused of abducting Chhatra League activist Abdur Rahman over the slogan “Joy Bangla.” When his mother, Chhaiyada Khatun (50), attempted to rescue him, she reportedly came under attack. She later died from her severe injuries.
A political slogan — “Joy Bangla.”
A phrase deeply tied to Bangladesh’s Liberation War history. If those words can now become a threat to someone’s life, then this is no isolated incident; rather, it symbolizes a terrifying collapse of political tolerance within the state.
From a legal and political perspective, the incident raises allegations of several serious crimes:
- First, intimidation and persecution based on political identity or ideology.
- Second, abduction.
- Third, a coordinated assault on a woman and a mother.
- Fourth, death resulting from that assault.
In other words, this single event appears to contain a complete blueprint of violence.
Perhaps the cruelest aspect is that at the center of this tragedy was a mother.
She was not a frontline political activist, nor a leader of rallies or demonstrations. She was simply a mother trying to save her child - and she lost her life doing so. Such a scene is shameful for any civilized society.
The cries of Abdur Rahman’s sister after losing her mother have already spread across social media. The atmosphere of grief, fear, and anger now surrounding Ukhiya reflects not just the tragedy of one family, but the growing insecurity felt by ordinary citizens.
Ukhiya has long struggled with instability. For years, various reports have raised allegations involving weapons, drugs, extortion, and violence surrounding the Rohingya camps.
Political rivalry in the region has also frequently turned violent. As a result, ordinary people are increasingly asking: is the state truly capable of maintaining law and order?
The government’s responsibility is not merely to issue statements. It must ensure impartial investigations, bring perpetrators to justice regardless of political affiliation, and take a visible stand against political violence. Otherwise, every new death will become just another statistic.
This incident in Ukhiya once again forces the nation to confront an old and painful question:
Is Bangladesh becoming a state where a person’s political identity determines whether they are safe?
The answer to that question - written in the blood of a mother - now remains a debt owed to the entire nation.
#Bangladesh #BangladeshCrisis
ALT Bloody Ukhiya: The Death of a Mother, or the Blunt Reflection of an Unjust State? —— Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar - once known for tourism, border politics, and the Rohingya crisis - is once again making headlines over allegations of horrific political violence. On Saturday night, May 16, 2026, around 9:30 PM, an incident unfolded in the Thaingkhali-Thaipalong area of Ukhiya that has shaken not just one family, but the entire community. According to reports published in various media outlets, leaders and activists of the #BNP were accused of abducting Chhatra League activist Abdur Rahman over the slogan “Joy Bangla.” When his mother, Chhaiyada Khatun (50), attempted to rescue him, she reportedly came under attack. She later died from her severe injuries. A political slogan — “Joy Bangla.” A phrase deeply tied to Bangladesh’s Liberation War history. If those words can now become a threat to someone’s life, then this is no isolated incident; rather, it symbolizes a terrifying collapse of pol
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
The #corruption surrounding the July 2024 protest-related cases in #Bangladesh has reached such a stage that it now risks undermining the entire #justice process.
Dishonest complainants, unscrupulous sections of the #police, and corrupt political actors appear to be unjustly enriching themselves at the expense of justice and due process.
In a recent interview with @ProthomAlo, #cricketer Shakib Al Hasan revealed that “interlocutors” approached him with an offer to remove his name from these cases in exchange for Tk 10 million. Shakib is among the thousands of individuals falsely implicated in the sweeping criminal cases filed in connection with the violent July 2024 protests.
Interview:
en.prothomalo.com/amp/story/…
During the entire period of the protests, Shakib was abroad playing cricket. Nevertheless, he was named in multiple murder and attempted murder cases solely because of his affiliation with the #AwamiLeague as a former Member of Parliament.
Shakib is a global sporting icon whose voice resonates far beyond Bangladesh. If even someone of his stature can allegedly be targeted for extortion through these controversial cases, one can only imagine the situation faced by grassroots supporters and activists of the Awami League.
For the past twenty-one months, #BDWatch has extensively documented the concerns surrounding these sweeping criminal cases, which have been misused to arbitrarily detain thousands of political activists and extort innocent people.
These concerns have come to the fore most recently following investigations by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). According to PBI officials, the cases reviewed so far reveal an alarming absence of evidence against many of the accused. In fact, investigators say they are recommending discharge for the majority of those named in these cases.
As of 22 April 2026, PBI had been entrusted with reviewing 195 protest-related criminal cases. So far, investigators have found no evidentiary basis in 24 of those cases. An additional 20 cases were withdrawn by complainants who appeared to anticipate that the PBI investigation would expose their actual motivations.
In the 90 cases where the PBI found evidence supporting at least some of the allegations, there were a total of 8,728 accused individuals. Among them, no evidence was found against 5,554 people, leading the PBI to submit discharge requests to the courts. By that measure, only 36.37% of the named accused appear to have evidentiary support, while 63.63% appear to be baseless.
Report:
kalbela.com/ajkerpatrika/fir…
The larger concern, however, is that the PBI is investigating only a small fraction of the July–August 2024 cases. Since August 2024, a total of 1,855 cases have been filed in this regard. This means the PBI is reviewing only 10.51% of all cases.
The remaining 1,660 cases are being handled by regular police stations across the country. Of those, investigations have been completed in only 176 cases (9.5%), while charge sheets have been submitted in just 156 cases (8.4%). There has been widespread allegations of police corruption re: these cases.
See:
xitter.cf/bdwatch2024/status/205…
What is urgently required therefore, is an independent review of all cases filed in connection with the 2024 protests, with the aim of identifying the actual perpetrators and ensuring the release and/or discharge of all innocent individuals.
It is increasingly evident that the regular police force is either unwilling or unable to carry out such an impartial process, whether due to corruption, political pressure, or institutional failure.
…
#BangladeshCrisis @amnestysasia @hrw @Ginitastar @StateDRL @volker_turk @UNHumanRights @ESandersFCDO @EURightsAgency @meeganguly @PearsonElaine @IBAHRI @justiceinfonet @UN_SPExperts @AgnesCallamard @UN_HRC @SRjudgeslawyers @TheDavidBergman @job71org @fidh_en @forum_asia @FortifyRights @BonaveroIHR @StateDept_GCJ
Urgent and independent review required for the wholesale criminal cases filed in connection with the violent events of July–August 2024 in #Bangladesh.
It appears that these mass criminal cases are being driven by every conceivable motivation except the one that matters most: truth and justice. The actual motivations include, among others, personal revenge, financial gain through presenting ordinary deaths and injuries as protest-related, land disputes, political vendettas, family feuds, and even unpaid loans.
These concerns have come to the fore following investigations by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). In some instances, individuals listed as complainants were reportedly unaware that cases had been filed in their names. Other cases were found to contain serious factual inaccuracies.
According to PBI officials, the cases reviewed so far reveal an alarming absence of evidence against many of the accused. In fact, investigators say they are recommending discharge for the majority of those named in these cases.
As of 22 April 2026, PBI had been entrusted with reviewing 195 protest-related criminal cases. So far, investigators have found no evidentiary basis in 24 of those cases. An additional 20 cases were withdrawn by complainants who appeared to anticipate that the PBI investigation would expose their actual motivations.
In the 90 cases where the PBI found evidence supporting at least some of the allegations, there were a total of 8,728 accused individuals. Among them, no evidence was found against 5,554 people, leading the PBI to submit discharge requests to the courts. By that measure, only 36.37% of the allegations appear to have evidentiary support, while 63.63% appear to be baseless.
Report:
kalbela.com/ajkerpatrika/fir…
The larger concern, however, is that the PBI is investigating only a small fraction of the July–August 2024 cases. Since August 2024, a total of 1,855 cases have been filed in this regard. This means the PBI is reviewing only 10.51% of all cases.
The remaining 1,660 cases are being handled by regular police stations across the country. Of those, investigations have been completed in only 176 cases (9.5%), while charge sheets have been submitted in just 156 cases (8.4%). There has also been widespread allegations of police corruption re: these cases.
The delay in investigations has deepened frustration among both victims’ families and those who claim to have been falsely accused. Why? Part of the answer may lie in the manner in which many of these cases were initiated.
Numerous FIRs appear to have been filed at police stations based on lists supplied by political actors, particularly leaders affiliated with the #BNP, #JamaatEIslami and #NCP. These lists frequently named political opponents, primarily members and supporters of #AwamiLeague, without clear evidentiary grounding.
See:
xitter.cf/bdwatch2024/status/204…
Commenting recently on these cases, human rights lawyer Barrister Sarah Hossain recently said:
“We want justice for the July deaths. But investigations are stalled, evidence is lacking, and witnesses are absent. Is this not a betrayal of those who lost their lives? Meanwhile, many remain detained under these cases for what appears to be political considerations alone"
Source:
kalerkantho.com/online/natio…
What is urgently required therefore, is an independent review of all cases filed in connection with the 2024 protests, with the aim of identifying the actual perpetrators and ensuring the release and/or discharge of all innocent individuals.
It is increasingly evident that the regular police force is either unwilling or unable to carry out such an impartial process, whether due to corruption, political pressure, or institutional failure.
Without credible action, a grave injustice is being done not only to those falsely implicated, but also to the families and communities still waiting for accountability and justice.
…
#BangladeshCrisis @hrw @SRjudgeslawyers @Kennedy_HRC
The Law Society of England and Wales has formally expressed deep concern over interference, obstruction, and harassment surrounding several district bar association and Supreme Court Bar Association elections in Bangladesh. In its letter, the President of the Law Society highlighted serious issues affecting the independence of lawyers and the rule of law, while calling on the authorities to ensure free, fair, and non-discriminatory participation in bar elections.
“This significant international attention reflects the tireless efforts of Barrister M R Khan, a UK-based practising lawyer, who worked diligently to bring these matters before the Law Society and to advocate for the protection of legal professionals and democratic principles within the legal community.”
THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IS ESSENTIAL TO JUSTICE, DEMOCRACY, AND THE RULE OF LAW.
Read and Download⬇️
drive.google.com/file/d/1mBu…
#Bangladesh
ALT The Law Society of England and Wales has formally expressed deep concern over interference, obstruction, and harassment surrounding several district bar association and Supreme Court Bar Association elections in Bangladesh. In its letter, the President of the Law Society highlighted serious issues affecting the independence of lawyers and the rule of law, while calling on the authorities to ensure free, fair, and non-discriminatory participation in bar elections. “This significant international attention reflects the tireless efforts of Barrister M R Khan, a UK-based practising lawyer, who worked diligently to bring these matters before the Law Society and to advocate for the protection of legal professionals and democratic principles within the legal community.” THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IS ESSENTIAL TO JUSTICE, DEMOCRACY, AND THE RULE OF LAW.
ALT The Law Society of England and Wales has formally expressed deep concern over interference, obstruction, and harassment surrounding several district bar association and Supreme Court Bar Association elections in Bangladesh. In its letter, the President of the Law Society highlighted serious issues affecting the independence of lawyers and the rule of law, while calling on the authorities to ensure free, fair, and non-discriminatory participation in bar elections. “This significant international attention reflects the tireless efforts of Barrister M R Khan, a UK-based practising lawyer, who worked diligently to bring these matters before the Law Society and to advocate for the protection of legal professionals and democratic principles within the legal community.” THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IS ESSENTIAL TO JUSTICE, DEMOCRACY, AND THE RULE OF LAW.
ALT The Law Society of England and Wales has formally expressed deep concern over interference, obstruction, and harassment surrounding several district bar association and Supreme Court Bar Association elections in Bangladesh. In its letter, the President of the Law Society highlighted serious issues affecting the independence of lawyers and the rule of law, while calling on the authorities to ensure free, fair, and non-discriminatory participation in bar elections. “This significant international attention reflects the tireless efforts of Barrister M R Khan, a UK-based practising lawyer, who worked diligently to bring these matters before the Law Society and to advocate for the protection of legal professionals and democratic principles within the legal community.” THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IS ESSENTIAL TO JUSTICE, DEMOCRACY, AND THE RULE OF LAW.
Denied Bail, Denied Education
- BBC Bangla Report
A student returns home to sit for his SSC exam, but is detained the night before. He misses his exams. His year is lost.
He is not alone.
A BBC Bangla report shows many adolescents in Bangladesh are being held in political cases under strict laws, with bail delayed or denied. By the time they’re released, their education is already disrupted.
* Under-18 students in detention
* Exams missed, futures uncertain
* Legal protections often ignored
This isn’t just about law. It’s about a generation losing its chance.
WATCH the video..
#Bangladesh #HumanRights #Education
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
Arrested at the Jail Gate: Yet another repressive tool being used to facilitate the indefinite detention of political activists in #Bangladesh.
Kazi Sonia Sultana, the Organising Secretary of the #AwamiLeague’s #Magura district unit and a former elected Vice-Chairman of the Magura Sadar Upazila Council, was arrested and detained in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act by a local #BNP leader.
As has increasingly become the norm in “new” Bangladesh, she was denied bail by the lower courts. In the current political climate, few judges or magistrates appear willing to grant bail to individuals affiliated with political parties perceived to be rivals of the ruling establishment.
However, on 7 May 2026, Sonia Sultana was finally granted bail by the High Court. On the morning of 8 May 2026, as she was being released from Magura District Jail, she was re-arrested by police directly at the jail gate.
According to the Officer-in-Charge of Magura Sadar Police Station, she was taken into custody again due to a specific “allegation” against her in a separate #vandalism case.
News:
jagonews24.com/m/country/new…
This reflects yet another abusive tactic being employed by law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh at the behest of the #BNP Govt to prolong the detention of #AwamiLeague-affiliated political detainees indefinitely.
The playbook has become increasingly familiar:
If there is sufficient time between a court granting bail and the detainee’s scheduled release, police seek to have the person “shown arrested” in a new case. Where the interval between bail and release is short, police instead rearrest the detainee immediately in connection with another cognisable offence and then initiate fresh legal proceedings afterward.
The objective appears straightforward: once detained, ensure there is no meaningful possibility of release.
Such practices strike at the heart of due process, the presumption of innocence, and the rule of law. The repeated use of “shown-arrested” and “re-arrests” to circumvent bail orders undermines public confidence in both the #justice system and constitutional protections.
If Bangladesh is to genuinely chart a democratic future for itself, then respect for the universality of human rights and the independence of the legal process must be upheld consistently, regardless of political affiliation.
…
#BangladeshCrisis @meeganguly @PearsonElaine @job71org @ESandersFCDO @AgnesCallamard @amnestysasia @hrw @BonaveroIHR @IBAHRI @FortifyRights @forum_asia @HRF @volker_turk @UNHumanRights @SRjudgeslawyers @fidh_en @StateDRL @UN_HRC @justiceinfonet @Kennedy_HRC @CIVICUSalliance @EURightsAgency @fidh_en @humanrights
🤖 Made with AI
Congratulations and Best Wishes from Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on Being Elected Chief Minister of West Bengal, India
I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on behalf of myself personally and the people of Bangladesh for the landslide victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections and for assuming office as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, India.
The verdict of the people of West Bengal is a clear reflection of their deep trust and admiration for Shri Suvendu Adhikari’s strong and people-oriented leadership. West Bengal holds a unique place in the history of the sincere friendship between Bangladesh and India. We share a bond rooted in common language, culture, and heritage, and I believe that under his leadership, this relationship will reach new heights in the future.
As neighbours, we have always wished for the prosperity and peace of West Bengal. I hope that the longstanding tradition of mutual cooperation between us will become even stronger during Shri Suvendu Adhikari’s tenure, and that we will continue to work together for the shared development and welfare of the people of both Bengals.
I wish Shri Suvendu Adhikari and all members of the newly elected cabinet of West Bengal continued success, good health, and a long life. I also extend my sincere best wishes to all the citizens of West Bengal.
Joy Bangla
Joy Bangabandhu
Long Live Bangladesh
—
Sheikh Hasina
President, Bangladesh Awami League
Former Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Press Release
9 May 2026
ALT Congratulations and Best Wishes from Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on Being Elected Chief Minister of West Bengal, India I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on behalf of myself personally and the people of Bangladesh for the landslide victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections and for assuming office as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, India. The verdict of the people of West Bengal is a clear reflection of their deep trust and admiration for Shri Suvendu Adhikari’s strong and people-oriented leadership. West Bengal holds a unique place in the history of the sincere friendship between Bangladesh and India. We share a bond rooted in common language, culture, and heritage, and I believe that under his leadership, this relationship will reach new heights in the future.
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
Congratulations and Best Wishes from Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on Being Elected Chief Minister of West Bengal, India
I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on behalf of myself personally and the people of Bangladesh for the landslide victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections and for assuming office as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, India.
The verdict of the people of West Bengal is a clear reflection of their deep trust and admiration for Shri Suvendu Adhikari’s strong and people-oriented leadership. West Bengal holds a unique place in the history of the sincere friendship between Bangladesh and India. We share a bond rooted in common language, culture, and heritage, and I believe that under his leadership, this relationship will reach new heights in the future.
As neighbours, we have always wished for the prosperity and peace of West Bengal. I hope that the longstanding tradition of mutual cooperation between us will become even stronger during Shri Suvendu Adhikari’s tenure, and that we will continue to work together for the shared development and welfare of the people of both Bengals.
I wish Shri Suvendu Adhikari and all members of the newly elected cabinet of West Bengal continued success, good health, and a long life. I also extend my sincere best wishes to all the citizens of West Bengal.
Joy Bangla
Joy Bangabandhu
Long Live Bangladesh
—
Sheikh Hasina
President, Bangladesh Awami League
Former Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Press Release
9 May 2026
ALT Congratulations and Best Wishes from Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on Being Elected Chief Minister of West Bengal, India I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on behalf of myself personally and the people of Bangladesh for the landslide victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections and for assuming office as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, India. The verdict of the people of West Bengal is a clear reflection of their deep trust and admiration for Shri Suvendu Adhikari’s strong and people-oriented leadership. West Bengal holds a unique place in the history of the sincere friendship between Bangladesh and India. We share a bond rooted in common language, culture, and heritage, and I believe that under his leadership, this relationship will reach new heights in the future.
Press Freedom Under Pressure: Arrests, Harassment, and the Shrinking Space for Journalism in Bangladesh
Full freedom of the media and freedom of expression have already been ensured. Senior professor Dr. Yunus, after assuming power, said: “Criticize freely.” However, in reality, the situation for the media has been the opposite. It was repeatedly said: “Criticize us openly, we respect all opinions.” But during the tenure of the interim government, any report against wrongdoing or any opposing view was labeled as support for fascism. Under this excuse, various forms of harassment appeared to be justified. No other government has suppressed journalism in the way it was done during Yunus’s rule. The main reason for harassment was to conceal the wrongdoing of Yunus’s advisers and their followers.
On August 5, 2024, the day the Awami League government fell during the July uprising, senior journalist Shahnaz Sharmin of 71 Television was on duty in front of Bangabhaban from the afternoon until 11 pm and was broadcasting live. Yet, on the same day, she was accused in a murder case related to the shooting death of a young man in Mirpur’s Bhashantek area. This raises a question: how could the same person be present in two places at the same time?
Journalist couple Shakil Ahmed (former head of news at 71 Television) and Farzana Rupa (former chief reporter and presenter) were detained on August 21, 2024. They have been in prison for over one and a half years and have not yet been granted bail. In September of the same year, former editor-in-chief of 71 Television Mozammel Babu and Shyamal Dutta, editor of Bhorer Kagoj, were detained from the Dhobaura border area in Mymensingh. Later, they were shown arrested in several murder cases related to the July uprising.
In December last year, former president of the National Press Club and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Shawkat Mahmood, was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act. In August of the same year, Mohammad Nasiruddin, chairman of My TV, was arrested by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police in a murder case filed during the anti-discrimination movement.
After the newly elected government assumed responsibility, senior journalist Anis Alamgir was granted bail on March 14. He had been taken in for questioning from a gym in Dhanmondi on the night of December 14, 2025. Initially, he was shown arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act and later in a case related to acquiring wealth beyond known income sources.
In October 2024, former organizing secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, Sheikh Mohammad Jamal Hossain, was arrested and later released on bail. In August last year, journalist Manjurul Alam Panna was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act while attending a roundtable discussion on Bangladesh’s Liberation War and constitution at the Dhaka Reporters Unity; he was released on bail after three months. Additionally, in Chattogram, the Police Bureau of Investigation found no evidence against 28 journalists accused in various cases.
In December 2024, following a fire incident at the Secretariat, the interim government canceled the press accreditation cards of 167 journalists in three phases, citing security concerns. Restrictions on journalists’ access were tightened.
Transparency International Bangladesh reported that after the July uprising, 496 journalists across the country faced harassment, with 266 accused in cases related to killings or violence linked to the uprising. The data was published on August 4 last year. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, president of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh and editor-in-chief of Manab Zamin, stated that detaining individuals without trial and denying bail for prolonged periods is inappropriate. After the BNP government came to power, journalists arrested during the interim government period are now hoping for bail.
World Press Freedom Day 2026 is being observed at a time when reports show Bangladesh’s ranking in the global media index has declined further to 152nd out of 180 countries. Meanwhile, the earlier statement—“criticize freely”—echoes quietly, almost ironically.
Tamanna Tahsin Khan, Kaler Kantho.
#Bangladesh #BangladeshCrisis
ALT Full freedom of the media and freedom of expression have already been ensured. Senior professor Dr. Yunus, after assuming power, said: “Criticize freely.” However, in reality, the situation for the media has been the opposite. It was repeatedly said: “Criticize us openly, we respect all opinions.” But during the tenure of the interim government, any report against wrongdoing or any opposing view was labeled as support for fascism. Under this excuse, various forms of harassment appeared to be justified. No other government has suppressed journalism in the way it was done during Yunus’s rule. The main reason for harassment was to conceal the wrongdoing of Yunus’s advisers and their followers. On August 5, 2024, the day the Awami League government fell during the July uprising, senior journalist Shahnaz Sharmin of 71 Television was on duty in front of Bangabhaban from the afternoon until 11 pm and was broadcasting live.
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
Press Freedom Under Pressure: Arrests, Harassment, and the Shrinking Space for Journalism in Bangladesh
Full freedom of the media and freedom of expression have already been ensured. Senior professor Dr. Yunus, after assuming power, said: “Criticize freely.” However, in reality, the situation for the media has been the opposite. It was repeatedly said: “Criticize us openly, we respect all opinions.” But during the tenure of the interim government, any report against wrongdoing or any opposing view was labeled as support for fascism. Under this excuse, various forms of harassment appeared to be justified. No other government has suppressed journalism in the way it was done during Yunus’s rule. The main reason for harassment was to conceal the wrongdoing of Yunus’s advisers and their followers.
On August 5, 2024, the day the Awami League government fell during the July uprising, senior journalist Shahnaz Sharmin of 71 Television was on duty in front of Bangabhaban from the afternoon until 11 pm and was broadcasting live. Yet, on the same day, she was accused in a murder case related to the shooting death of a young man in Mirpur’s Bhashantek area. This raises a question: how could the same person be present in two places at the same time?
Journalist couple Shakil Ahmed (former head of news at 71 Television) and Farzana Rupa (former chief reporter and presenter) were detained on August 21, 2024. They have been in prison for over one and a half years and have not yet been granted bail. In September of the same year, former editor-in-chief of 71 Television Mozammel Babu and Shyamal Dutta, editor of Bhorer Kagoj, were detained from the Dhobaura border area in Mymensingh. Later, they were shown arrested in several murder cases related to the July uprising.
In December last year, former president of the National Press Club and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Shawkat Mahmood, was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act. In August of the same year, Mohammad Nasiruddin, chairman of My TV, was arrested by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police in a murder case filed during the anti-discrimination movement.
After the newly elected government assumed responsibility, senior journalist Anis Alamgir was granted bail on March 14. He had been taken in for questioning from a gym in Dhanmondi on the night of December 14, 2025. Initially, he was shown arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act and later in a case related to acquiring wealth beyond known income sources.
In October 2024, former organizing secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, Sheikh Mohammad Jamal Hossain, was arrested and later released on bail. In August last year, journalist Manjurul Alam Panna was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act while attending a roundtable discussion on Bangladesh’s Liberation War and constitution at the Dhaka Reporters Unity; he was released on bail after three months. Additionally, in Chattogram, the Police Bureau of Investigation found no evidence against 28 journalists accused in various cases.
In December 2024, following a fire incident at the Secretariat, the interim government canceled the press accreditation cards of 167 journalists in three phases, citing security concerns. Restrictions on journalists’ access were tightened.
Transparency International Bangladesh reported that after the July uprising, 496 journalists across the country faced harassment, with 266 accused in cases related to killings or violence linked to the uprising. The data was published on August 4 last year. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, president of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh and editor-in-chief of Manab Zamin, stated that detaining individuals without trial and denying bail for prolonged periods is inappropriate. After the BNP government came to power, journalists arrested during the interim government period are now hoping for bail.
World Press Freedom Day 2026 is being observed at a time when reports show Bangladesh’s ranking in the global media index has declined further to 152nd out of 180 countries. Meanwhile, the earlier statement—“criticize freely”—echoes quietly, almost ironically.
Tamanna Tahsin Khan, Kaler Kantho.
#Bangladesh #BangladeshCrisis
🤖 Made with AI
ALT Full freedom of the media and freedom of expression have already been ensured. Senior professor Dr. Yunus, after assuming power, said: “Criticize freely.” However, in reality, the situation for the media has been the opposite. It was repeatedly said: “Criticize us openly, we respect all opinions.” But during the tenure of the interim government, any report against wrongdoing or any opposing view was labeled as support for fascism. Under this excuse, various forms of harassment appeared to be justified. No other government has suppressed journalism in the way it was done during Yunus’s rule. The main reason for harassment was to conceal the wrongdoing of Yunus’s advisers and their followers. On August 5, 2024, the day the Awami League government fell during the July uprising, senior journalist Shahnaz Sharmin of 71 Television was on duty in front of Bangabhaban from the afternoon until 11 pm and was broadcasting live.
Militancy in Bangladesh — Reality or Denial?
🚨 Fresh security alerts and recent arrests in Dhaka have brought militancy concerns back into focus.
⚖️ Officials are divided—some say it no longer exists, others admit it persists at a lower level.
💥 Explosives incidents and over 1,600 listed militants suggest the threat hasn’t fully disappeared.
🧠 Experts warn: ignoring the signs could be risky.
👉 So is the threat contained—or underestimated?
#Bangladesh #Security #Militancy
📉 Bangladesh Faces Rising Inflation Risks
Rising concerns over inflation are growing as government borrowing increases.
💸 Economists warn that financing deficits by printing money could destabilize the economy.
📊 In March alone, around 20,000 crore taka was borrowed from the central bank.
🛒 Impact already visible:
• Prices rising
• Investment slowing
• Currency under pressure
⚡ Ongoing energy shortages are adding further strain on industries.
📉 Growth slowing, while banking sector risks continue to rise.
Everyday families may feel the biggest impact as living costs keep climbing.
#Bangladesh #Inflation #PriceHike
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
Bangladesh Among Top 10 Countries Facing Severe Food Crisis
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Bangladesh has been listed among the top 10 countries experiencing acute food insecurity, according to the annual Global Report on Food Crises.
The report, published on Friday (April 24), is based on data from the United Nations, the European Union, and various humanitarian organizations.
It states that in 2025, two-thirds of the world’s people facing severe food crises lived in just 10 countries. One-third of them were in Sudan, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The top 10 countries with the highest levels of acute food insecurity are: Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
While there have been slight improvements in countries like Bangladesh and Syria, the situation has significantly worsened in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe — stalling overall global progress. Last year, around 266 million people across 47 countries and regions faced high levels of acute food insecurity —nearly double the figure in 2016.
Alvaro Lario, head of the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, told AFP that rising fertilizer and fuel prices are likely to have a major negative impact on agricultural production this season.
@DhakaTribune
#Bangladesh #BangladeshCrisis
ALT Bangladesh has been listed among the top 10 countries experiencing acute food insecurity, according to the annual Global Report on Food Crises. The report, published on Friday (April 24), is based on data from the United Nations, the European Union, and various humanitarian organizations. It states that in 2025, two-thirds of the world’s people facing severe food crises lived in just 10 countries. One-third of them were in Sudan, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The top 10 countries with the highest levels of acute food insecurity are: Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. While there have been slight improvements in countries like Bangladesh and Syria, the situation has significantly worsened in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe—stalling overall global progress. Last year, around 266 million people across 47 countries and regions faced high levels of acute food insecurity—n
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
A shop in Satkhira sits silent. Fans hang still. No customers. No electricity — no reason to buy.
This isn’t a natural crisis. It’s man-made.
⚠️ 65+ power plants shut
⚠️ 30–40% production shortfall
⚠️ Nearly 2,000 MW deficit
⚠️ 8–10 hours daily outages in villages
Food is rotting. Businesses are collapsing. Nights are unbearable.
In April’s heat, children can’t sleep. Patients suffer in dark hospitals. Shopkeepers spend entire days without a single sale.
And yet—no clear plan, no urgency, no accountability.
This isn’t “normal.”
This is failure.
A country in darkness reflects a government without direction.
#PowerCrisis #Bangladesh #Loadshedding #EnergyCrisis
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
Diesel Crisis Hits Farmers Hard in Jamalpur
A severe diesel shortage is disrupting irrigation during the crucial boro season. Farmers are waiting hours at pumps—often returning with little or no fuel—while fields dry up and crops face serious risk.
🌾 Irrigation pumps idle
⏳ 3–4 hours in queues for just 1–2 litres
⚠️ Thousands of crops at risk
Authorities say steps are being taken, but farmers need urgent relief—before it’s too late.
#FuelCrisis #BangladeshCrisis
Bangladesh Awami League Media Cell retweeted
Six teachers dead — not a single case has seen justice
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Six teachers have died. Some passed away in hospital beds, others at home. But their stories all lead back to the same place — the humiliation, fear, and isolation that engulfed them after August 2024.
Paramesh Chandra, principal of South East College in Feni, died of cardiac arrest. Abdul Khalek, a headteacher from Dohar in Dhaka, died in a hospital in Dhanmondi. Ayub, vice principal of Hazera Taju College in Chattogram, also passed away. All of them had earlier faced a similar ordeal — groups stormed their campuses, forced them to resign, drove them out, and publicly humiliated them. After that, they never truly recovered.
In Habiganj, headteacher Rezaul Karim collapsed in his chair as 10–15 outsiders barged into his office, shouting. The mob leader broadcast it live on Facebook. The image is hard to ignore — a teacher lying unconscious after a stroke, while the person responsible streams it live for an audience.
In Kishoreganj, bricks were thrown at the home of headteacher Abubakar Siddique. He fled with his family and later suffered a stroke. Nineteen allegations were brought against him, including a case accusing him of embezzling 2 million taka. A later investigation found none of the accusations to be true. But by then, the damage had already been done.
Around 3,500 teachers were harassed, incidents occurred in nearly 2,500 educational institutions, and more than 500 teachers were injured or fell ill. These figures were submitted to the Ministry of Education in February 2025. The incidents were recorded and reported — yet no effective action followed.
During the Yunus-led government period, these events showed a pattern. In many cases, mobs were aided by insiders within the institutions. Some incidents involved supporters of Jamaat, while others were driven by long-standing administrative conflicts. This mix suggests the attacks were not spontaneous — they were organized.
And what did the state do? In Shariatpur, local officials arranged a “compromise” between both sides. A teacher who had suffered a stroke was made to sit at the same table as those who attacked him — in the name of settlement. That “compromise” captures the broader failure. Where justice was needed, there was negotiation. Where protection was expected, the state remained silent or played a hollow mediating role.
Teachers went unpaid, lost their positions, became entangled in cases — and some lost their lives.
Now, in 2026, looking back, the scale of that period becomes clearer. It was not only about political upheaval. It affected people who had no role in politics — those who simply taught classes and graded papers.
#BangladeshCrisis #Education #JusticeDenied #HumanRights
