The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024 Round-up has highlighted a grim picture of press freedom worldwide, with 54 journalists including five in Bangladesh killed in 2024. It says journalists increasingly pay the ultimate price in conflict zones and under repressive regimes. Due to the large number of journalists killed in Pakistan (7) and the protests that rocked Bangladesh (5), Asia remained the region with the second-highest number of killed media workers, according to RSF. Among 54 journalists 31 lost their lives in conflict zones, marking the highest fatality rate in five years. The Gaza Strip has been singled out as the deadliest region for journalists, accounting for nearly 30% of fatalities, where 35 journalists were reportedly killed by the Israeli army in connection to their work. Press Freedom Under Siege The report highlights the broader issue of media suppression, as 550 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide — a 7% rise from last year. Israel has become the third-largest jailer of journalists, with a sharp increase in detentions since October 2023. The report also sheds light on enforced disappearances, with nearly 100 journalists missing across 34 countries. Alarmingly, 45% of these cases are attributed to enforced disappearances, often under authoritarian regimes or amidst government negligence. Bangladesh’s Situation Protests triggered by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system for public jobs were violently repressed by the police: five journalists lost their lives and many others were injured. Mehedi Hasan, a journalist for the Dhaka Times, was killed on July 18 while covering clashes between protestors and security forces. RSF Urges Action RSF Director General Thibaut Bruttin emphasised the urgent need to combat impunity and protect press freedom. “Journalists do not die, they are killed; they do not disappear, they are kidnapped. Protecting those who inform us is protecting the truth,” Bruttin said. The RSF has reiterated its call for global governments to ratify the 2006 International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, underscoring the urgent need for international solidarity in safeguarding journalists and preserving press freedom. This year’s findings highlight the human cost of bringing truth to light, reinforcing the need for collective action to protect those who risk their lives to keep the world informed. Repeal repressive laws, dismiss baseless cases against journos: RSF “Journalists do not die, they are killed; they are not in prison, regimes lock them up; they do not disappear, they are kidnapped. These crimes — often orchestrated by governments and armed groups with total impunity — violate international law and too often go unpunished. We need to get things moving, to remind ourselves as citizens that journalists are dying for us, to keep us informed,” said Thibaut Bruttin. “We must continue to count, name, condemn, investigate, and ensure that justice is served. Fatalism should never win. Protecting those who inform us is protecting the truth,” Bruttin added.  

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has said that the governments must do more to prevent attacks, to protect journalists, and to prosecute those responsible, adding that states also need laws to protect freedom of expression and information. Speaking on the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (November 2), Türk said, “We live in troubled times—and effective journalism is more important than ever. A free press feeds a free society and fuels democratic decision-making.” “It also makes sure that we understand the human impact of violence and conflict so that this horrible tendency of dehumanization is stopped,” he added. “On this International Day, I urge all those with influence to step up action to end impunity for crimes against journalists, to protect media workers, and to contribute to building open, just societies where the truth can flourish,” said the UN right chief.  

The government has scrapped the permanent and temporary press accreditation cards of 20 senior journalists including Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Farzana Rupa, and Farida Yasmin. A gazette notification, signed by Md Nizamul Kabir, chief information officer of the Press Information Department under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was issued in this regard. Directorate of Information cancels press accreditation card of fake journalist The gazette reads the accreditation was cancelled under sections 6.9, 6.10, 9.5 and 9.6 of the Press Accreditation Principle-2022. Those accreditation scrapped included former Director General of Press Institute of Bangladesh Jafar Wazed, former press minister Shaban Mahmud, Ekattor Television’s former Chief of editors Mozzamel Haque, Bhorer Kagoj editor Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Pratidin editor Naem Nizam, ABCnews24.com chief editor Subhash Chandra Singha Roy, Munni Saha and Amadershomoy.com editor Naimul Islam Khan, among others.

Journalists found guilty of involvement in the killings during the anti-discrimination student movement will face trial in the International Crimes Tribunal, according to Dr. Asif Nazrul, the Interim Government’s adviser on law, justice and parliamentary affairs Speaking to reporters after inspecting renovation work at the tribunal's main building on Tuesday, Adviser said, “After following the proper legal procedures and conducting thorough analysis, the prosecution team will take steps to bring the journalists involved as accused in the tribunal. I can assure you that guilty journalists will also face justice, but it will be fair.” Asif Nazrul explains rationale for amending CSA instead of repealing He added, "We are determined to prosecute those responsible for the killings and mass atrocities surrounding the anti-discrimination student movement. The renovation work at the International Crimes Tribunal is progressing rapidly, and we expect to resume proceedings in the main building from November 1." Md. Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the tribunal, mentioned that a reception for the judges will be held in the tribunal’s courtroom on Wednesday. Following that, on Thursday, a bench of three judges, led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mazumder, will begin proceedings in the courtroom.

Journalists directly linked to the deposed 'fascist' government and those who incited and supported the recent genocide will be brought to justice, said Nahid Islam, adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, on Sunday. He emphasized that if any cases are filed unfairly against individuals, a committee has been established within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to investigate such claims. He made these statements while distributing donation checks to those injured during recent protests at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Nahid Islam noted, "Financial assistance is being provided to those injured and to the families of those who lost their lives during the mass uprising through the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation." When asked about medical treatment for the injured abroad, he assured, "Necessary measures will be taken based on the recommendations of the relevant doctors." Mahmudur Rahman urges interim govt to keep spirit of July revolution alive Regarding the cases against journalists, he stated, "Those affiliated with the fascist government who instigated and supported genocide will face justice." He added, "If any journalist or their family feels they are being wronged by legal actions, we encourage them to reach out to us for support." Discussing the legal proceedings for the injured and deceased, he mentioned, "A legal team is currently working on this, and we will ensure these cases are resolved in the Special Tribunal. The individuals who were martyred and injured during the uprising are the heroes of our nation, and we honor the sacrifices made by leaders and activists from various parties." He urged, "Let us not divide the martyrs and the injured based on party lines or political banners. We should refrain from exploiting their sacrifices for political gain." Nahid Islam also confirmed that expenses for those who received treatment at different locations before arriving in Dhaka Medical would be covered as well. July Shaheed Smrity Foundation supports victim's father in returning to South Africa Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, secretary of the foundation, presented an account of donations to the injured from the July Foundation before journalists. He announced that a total of 122 individuals have received a total of Tk 1,22,64, 400, amounting to Tk 1 lakh each. Among these, 23 out of the 30 individuals currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College were issued checks for Tk1 lakh each. The remaining 7 individuals received their payments via BKash. Additionally, funds have been provided through BKash for 33 individuals being treated at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and 59 individuals at the National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (Pangu Hospital). In total, the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation has donated Tk 1,71, 42, 050 to 176 injured individuals so far.  

At least 10 people including policemen and journalists were injured in a clash between BNP activists and law enforcers during picketing amid the 48-hour hartal being observed by the party and like-minded opposition parties. Locals said that BNP activists brought out a procession in favour of the hartal in Puratan Bus Stand area around 11 am and vandalised some vehicles, causing panic on the streets. Also read: 11 arson attacks reported in 15 hours: Fire Service A clash broke out when police barred the BNP men from marching forward, they said. At one stage of the altercation, the picketers hurled brickbats targeting the law enforcers who retaliated with tear gas shells, they said. Rajan Kumar Das, additional superintendent of district police, said they used tear shells and opened blank fire to control the situation. Also read: Jamaat’s registration to remain cancelled: SC dismisses party’s appeal Ten people, including three policemen, were injured in the clash, he said, adding that the situation is now under their control. Local BNP leaders could not be reached over the phone for comments in this connection. Also read: RAB arrests 4, including Sramik Dal leader, from Dhaka's Jatrabari in sabotage case

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (November 02, 2023) urged the country’s journalists to expose the real face of the BNP before the international community as the opposition party’s activists swooped on the media persons who were covering their October 28 rally. “You, journalists, should expose internationally the real character of those who attacked you while performing duty,” she said. The premier was addressing the Delegates Conference-2023 of BFUJ-Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists at the National Press Club in the city. Noting that the anti-liberation forces have no right here in Bangladesh, she said, “Those who believe in terrorism and militancy have no right here. They don’t want the welfare of the people of this country and they are foes of the people.” The PM said the attackers of journalists and police must pay as some 30 journalists were injured in the attacks carried out by BNP men on October 28 last. Read more: Day 3 of blockade: 4 vehicles burnt in Dhaka, Narayanganj so far She said the BNP men carried out attacks even in disguise on that day, believing that they could remain unidentified and escape punishment. But they’ve finally been caught, she said. “They carried such misdeeds. Those who kill and attack journalists and police must face punishment,” she said. Hasina strongly condemned the way BNP attacked journalists and police. “Committing terrorist acts is their character,” she said. She also blasted different international organisations of journalists, including Reporters Without Borders for keeping silent over this attack. “Where are they now? We don’t see them and don’t hear any words from them. Where have they disappeared suddenly?” she said. The PM said some 30 journalists were injured and some have been receiving treatment in hospitals. “But we don’t hear anything from any of them,” she said. She compared the BNP’s attack on the police hospital here to the bombing on a Palestine hospital by Israel. They (BNP) carried out the attack on a hospital here the same way the Israel bombed a Palestine hospital and killed women and children. “I don’t know if they are taking lessons from the Jews,” said the prime minister. Talking about the 9th wage board for journalists, PM Hasina said it is the responsibility of the owners to implement it. It is very unfortunate that they filed a case instead of implementing it. She said the preparation continues to form the 10th wage board and the government has a plan to bring electronic media journalists under the wage board. She put emphasis on bringing the journalists who are working outside Dhaka under the coverage of the wage board. The premier announced to provide another amount of Tk 10 crore as donation to the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust. The fund was formed with the seed money provided by the prime minister. She assured the journalists working outside Dhaka of giving plots to them under district-based housing projects. Noting that there is a huge number of newspapers in Bangladesh, she said the number of newspapers is not so high even in many developed and rich countries. There are 3,241 newspapers in the country, she said. Turning to the development of Bangladesh, she said today’s Bangladesh has gained the status of a developing country thanks to the continuation of the democracy and the government from 2009-2023. Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud spoke as the special guest at the function chaired by BFUJ President Omar Faruque. BFUJ Secretary General Dip Azad conducted the event, while President of Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) Sohel Haider Chowdhury and leaders of different units of BFUJ spoke on the occasion. In the function, former BFUJ leaders were honoured with crests. Read more: EC letter inviting BNP’s jailed leader for talks on polls returns undelivered: Sources

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Friday expressed its grave concern over the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza strip. Innocent journalists are being targeted frequently and at least 24 journalists have been killed since October 7. US Ambassador hosts reception for DCAB In a statement DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh condemned the targeted killing of innocent journalists in Gaza strip, noting that this is irreparable loss to their families. Killing of journalists in line of duty is a heinous crime and cowardice act, the world must now speak out against the killing of innocent journalists in Gaza, they said. DCAB pays tribute to Bangabandhu DCAB demanded neutral and full investigation into those killings under the UN system and the persons involved in such killings need to be brought to justice . DCAB called upon all sides to refrain from killing the innocent journalists. Lotus, Kayesh elected DCAB President, GS The DCAB executives expressed deep condolences and extended sympathy to the family members of the journalists who lost their precious lives.

A limited number of journalists in Gaza are trying to report on the war with Israel while facing the same problems as the besieged Palestinian population there — wondering where to live, where to get food and water, and how to stay safe. The aftermath of Tuesday's explosion that killed hundreds at a Gaza City hospital is the latest example of how that reality hinders the world's ability to get a full picture of what is happening to the Palestinian population In Gaza. Outside journalists have been unable to enter Gaza since the Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7. The sole entry point for journalists, Israel's Erez crossing, was attacked in the rampage and remains closed. A handful of news organizations had maintained a regular presence with bureaus there, including The Associated Press, the BBC, Reuters, Agence France-Presse and Al-Jazeera, with a network of stringers helping others. Israel's order to Palestinians to evacuate the northern part of Gaza led journalists at AP and AFP, for example, to abandon bureaus in Gaza City and head south. As Israel readies troops for ground assault, Gaza awaits urgently needed aid from Egypt "Working in Gaza right now is extremely difficult and that's in large part because our staff are both covering the story and worrying about their own safety and the safety of their families," said Julie Pace, executive editor and senior vice president of The Associated Press. AP staff stocked up on bottled water and other supplies before abandoning their Gaza City bureau, which replaced an office destroyed by Israeli bombs in 2021. Even with power supplies limited, AP staff members have provided photos, video and other reporting each day since the war's start, Pace said. No such luck for a camera left behind on the bureau's balcony that provided a live stream of the skyline; the generator likely ran out of fuel. The nine Agence France-Presse journalists in Gaza feel caught in a squeeze between wanting to work and also take care of their families, said Phil Chetwynd, global news director. Managers are stressing the importance of safety first, he said. "This is a population that over the years has been used to fairly extreme situations, but I think they would all say that this is on a much, much bigger scale," Chetwynd said, referring to the previous four wars between Israel and Hamas. At least 19 journalists have been killed since the start of the war, 15 of them in Gaza, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. Already, more journalists have been killed in Gaza during the past two weeks than in the territory since 2001, said Sherif Mansour, CPJ's Middle East and North Africa coordinator. On CNN, journalist Ibrahim Dahman reported on the journey to find safety that he took with his wife and two sons, ages 7 and 11. One son plaintively asked when they found a room: "They don't strike hotels, right?" "I feel intense fear," Dahman said. "I am worried about myself, my wife and my children." Gazans find nowhere is safe during Israel’s relentless bombing AP photojournalist Adel Hana's family fled to the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, below the evacuation line, to shelter in a cousin's home near the local hospital. But a series of blasts rocked the building, killing at least seven family members and burying women and children in the rubble, he said. "It doesn't make sense," Hana said. "We went to Deir al-Balah because we thought we would be safe." Marwan al-Ghoul, working for CBS News, was similarly heading south with his family in Gaza. When he came upon the aftermath of a bombing in a residential area, he got out to film scenes of bodies buried in rubble and crying children walking through the bombing site. The need to bear witness, the journalists said, came after a week of intense focus on the attacks in Israel, where news media have been working freely. News organizations are conscious of the need to show that there is suffering on both sides. Even with fewer news organizations operating in Gaza, there is a rich journalism tradition there, said Andrew Roy, CBS News' London bureau chief. With advances in technology, many people are able to tote cameras to noteworthy scenes, he said. That was the case after Tuesday's explosion at al-Ahli hospital. "You can often show people things that in the past you would not have been able to show," Roy said.   Even without a full-time staff member in Gaza, The New York Times offered on its website Wednesday a graphic that detailed the hospital grounds, an overhead still picture of the blast scene that showed burnt-out cars and video that depicted the fiery aftermath of the explosion , taken at some distance through a fence. The Times said it had independently verified the video's accuracy. Still, the material doesn't replace professional journalists able to quickly reach the scene and interview people there. "Eyewitness reporting is the best, being able to report what you see," said Luke Baker, Jerusalem bureau chief for Reuters between 2014-2017. Experienced journalists are also more apt to know sources they can depend upon for truthful information, he said. OIC calls for immediate end to Israeli aggression against civilians in Gaza In the aftermath of the al-Ahli hospital explosion, journalists were left to sift through the competing finger-pointing over which side was to blame. "The truth does matter," Rachel Maddow said on MSNBC's overage. "It's the only thing we have here." In past Gaza conflicts, the Internet was a useful source of information and videos. But the spread of disinformation online this time has made it much less reliable, and verifying material that can be trusted is enormously time-consuming, Chetwynd said. As the story moves forward, news organizations are looking for ways to compensate for the barriers faced by journalists in Gaza. The AP, for example, has assigned a team of Arabic-speaking journalists to conduct interviews and monitor online activity. For those left in Gaza, Pace said there's a concern about when supplies are going to run out without reinforcements, including power. "It's not constant and it's not reliable," she said. CPJ's Mansour said that he hopes the United Nations keeps the welfare of journalists on its agenda, including safe passage out of the country for those who need it. "The people who live in this place didn't make the decision to live in a war zone," Chetwynd said.

Bangladesh's star batsman, Litton Das, has expressed his regret via social media following an incident where he had journalists from Bangladesh removed from the team hotel in Pune, India. On Sunday (October 15, 2023), when the Bangladesh team had no scheduled practice or media interactions, journalists visited the team hotel. Litton did not welcome the idea. He summoned the hotel's security personnel and instructed them to escort the journalists away. World Cup 2023: England outplayed as Afghanistan script historic win in Delhi This incident ignited debate and discussion among Bangladeshi journalists covering the ICC World Cup in India. Some reporters questioned Litton's professionalism in their reports aired on television or shared on social media platforms. "https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php? Within 24 hours of the incident, Litton extended an apology. World Cup 2023: England struggling in pursuit of 285 v Afghanistan "I deeply regret the unforeseen incident that occurred yesterday at the team hotel," Litton posted. "I hold the media in high regard. The indispensable role of journalists in advancing Bangladesh cricket is acknowledged and appreciated." The Bangladesh team has participated in three matches in the ICC World Cup 2023 so far, securing a victory in one. In the upcoming match, Bangladesh will face India on October 19. World Cup 2023: Rahmanullah, Ikram Lead Afghanistan to 284 Against England