4 journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh in 2024, 361 worldwide: CPJ
Dozens of journalists whose reporting was considered favourable toward Hasina’s government were subsequently targeted in criminal investigations, the US-based organisation reports
Bangladesh held four journalists last year seen as supporters of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, ousted in August following a mass uprising that ended her 15-year rule, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Dozens of journalists whose reporting was considered favourable toward Hasina's government were subsequently targeted in criminal investigations, the US-based organisation reports.
According to CPJ's prison census, 361 journalists were imprisoned worldwide in 2024 as of 1 December 2024. Among them, the highest number of detentions occurred in China, where 50 journalists were jailed. Israel ranked second, with 43 journalists detained – all of whom are Palestinian.
Bangladesh ranks 14th on the list based on the number of imprisoned journalists.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Despite a political transition in 2024, it is regrettable to see that Bangladesh continues to hold four journalists seen as supporters of the previous regime, while dozens of others were targeted in criminal investigations," said CPJ Asia Programme Coordinator Beh Lih Yi.
"The interim government must end any political witch hunts and uphold press freedom by ensuring journalists can continue to report without fear or favour," she added.
The interim government assumed power in Bangladesh in August last year following the fall of the Hasina-led Awami League government, whose 15-year rule was characterised by vote rigging, suppression of press freedom, widespread corruption, and human rights violations.
Neighbouring India is ranked 15th in the CPJ's list, with three journalists in prison.
The report, which was published on 17 January, notes that two of the three imprisoned journalists in India were arrested in Kashmir in 2023.
Compared to Bangladesh and India, Afghanistan saw fewer journalist arrests last year, with only two journalists imprisoned.
In 2024, one imprisoned journalist was sentenced to death, while 10 received life imprisonment. Additionally, 54 journalists were sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, and 55 received sentences ranging from five to 10 years.
The CPJ report highlights that political reporters were the most frequently targeted, facing the highest number of arrests. Myanmar ranks third on the list, with 35 journalists detained, followed by Belarus in fourth with 31 journalists and Russia in fifth with 30 journalists behind bars.
