Will the Yunus Government Continue Its Steamroller on Press Freedom in Bangladesh?

Advocate Shahanur Islam

Since assuming leadership of Bangladesh's interim government on August 8, 2024, Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus has faced mounting criticism over his administration’s alarming crackdown on press freedom and the broader democratic space. In what appears to be a systematic effort to silence dissent, the government has overseen the arrest of journalists, the filing of dubious legal cases, the dismissal of media professionals, and the outright targeting of press institutions. These actions raise grave concerns about the state of democracy and fundamental rights in Bangladesh.

A Systematic Crackdown on Press Freedom:  Press freedom is an essential pillar of democracy, acting as a check on government power and ensuring the free flow of information. However, under Prof. Yunus’s interim government, journalists and media outlets are facing an unprecedented assault. At least 18 journalists—including Mozammel Babu, Shamol Datto, Farzana Rupa, and Shakil Ahmed—have been arrested around the country under vague and repressive laws, highlighting a clear attempt to stifle critical voices.

Why Are Sufi Shrines and Spiritual Sites Under Attack in Bangladesh?

Advocate Shahanur Islam
In the heart of Bangladesh lies a spiritual heritage rooted in Sufi traditions that have harmonized communities for centuries. These shrines and spiritual sites, once beacons of tolerance and pluralism, are now under attack, with devastating consequences for the nation’s cultural and social fabric. Since the fall of the former government and the assumption of power by the interim government in August 2024, more than 100 shrines and spiritual sites have been attacked, vandalized, looted, and set on fire.

The rise in violence against Sufi shrines is not an isolated phenomenon but a reflection of broader ideological and political struggles. Bangladesh’s Sufi heritage, which champions inclusivity and coexistence, stands in stark contrast to the rigid ideologies of extremist groups that see such traditions as anathema. With political power in flux and ideological tensions high, these spiritual spaces have become vulnerable targets.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Extrajudicial Killings of Miraz Hossain and Md. Jummon by Joint Forces in Dhaka

Paris, France; February 21, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, vehemently condemns the extrajudicial killings of Miraz Hossain (25) and Md. Jummon (26) by joint forces, led by Bangladesh Army personnel, in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on the night of February 19, 2025. This horrifying incident raises serious alarm about the ongoing practice of extrajudicial killings and the disturbing disregard for human rights under the pretence of law enforcement, signifying a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

JMBF asserts that the extrajudicial killings of Miraz and Jummon flagrantly violate both Bangladesh's Constitution and international human rights law. Bangladesh is a signatory to international agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture (CAT), which explicitly prohibit arbitrary executions and the use of excessive force by authorities. These rights are non-negotiable, and the government of Bangladesh is bound by these obligations. Thus, we demand that the Bangladesh government uphold its international legal commitments and ensure a thorough investigation of these deaths in line with both national and international human rights standards.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Rising Threats and Attacks on Cultural and Artistic Freedom in Bangladesh

Paris, France; February 18, 2025 — France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the alarming rise in censorship, intimidation, and violent obstruction of cultural events in Bangladesh under the current interim government led by Nobel Laureate for Peace, Prof. Mohammad Yunus. The recent forced cancellations of the Dhaka Metropolitan Theater Festival, Proma's Spring Recitation Festival in Chattogram, the National Spring Festival in Uttara, and the Lalon Memorial Festival in Tangail are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a troubling pattern of suppression targeting artistic expression and fundamental human rights by radical Islamic fundamentalist groups.

JMBF asserts that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees freedom of speech, cultural diversity, and the right to peaceful assembly. However, the blatant disregard for these rights, as seen in these incidents, represents a direct attack on the nation's democratic values. The forced shutdowns of these events, often under threats of violence and pressure from extremist groups, reveal a dangerous shift toward intolerance, eroding the artistic and intellectual freedom that has long defined Bangladesh's rich cultural landscape.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Brutal Police Repression Against Peaceful Teachers’ Protest in Dhaka

February 17, 2025 | Paris, France – France based human rights organisation, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the brutal police crackdown on the peaceful protest in Dhaka by recommended government primary teachers on February 16, 2025, under the Interim Government led by former Nobel Laureate for Peace, Prof. Mohammad Yunus. The use of excessive force, including baton charges, tear gas, and water cannons, against recommended teachers of government primary schools, who were merely demanding their fundamental right to employment, is an outrageous violation of human rights and democratic principles.

JMBF asserts that state-sponsored violence against unarmed civilians, including women, is a direct attack on freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and the rule of law. JMBF condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms and demands an immediate end to the repression, accountability for those responsible, and the unconditional reinstatement of all affected teachers.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Gravely Concerned Over Mass Arrests of Opposition Political Activists in Operation Devil Hunt

Paris, France; February 15, 2025 – France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the mass arrests of opposition political activists, particularly leaders, activists, and supporters of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated wings. These arrests carried out without legal warrants, have led to grave human rights violations under Operation Devil Hunt, which began on February 12, 2025, in Bangladesh.

This operation, conducted by a joint force comprising the Bangladesh Army, Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and even student groups allegedly involved in anti-discrimination efforts, has resulted in the arbitrary arrest of over 5,000 individuals without warrants or specific charges. Among those arrested are elderly individuals above 70 years of age, cancer patients, and women—many of whom are being targeted solely due to their political beliefs and affiliations with the Awami League and its associated organizations.

JMBF asserts that such a massive crackdown is being used as a tool to silence dissent and eliminate opposition voices. These politically motivated arrests violate fundamental human rights and undermine the principles of justice and due process.