Centre for Global Policy and Governance

London Dialogue Raises Alarm Over Media Freedom and Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh

PolicyGov Report | London | 23 May 2026 London Dialogue Raises Alarm Over Media Freedom and Human Rights Situation in BangladeshA high-level dialogue on “Media Freedom for Human Rights and Democracy” held in London on 21 May brought together prominent journalists, legal experts, human rights advocates, academics and diaspora community leaders who voiced deep concern over the state of press freedom and democratic rights in Bangladesh. The event, organised by Protect Bangladesh in association with EyeMedia and Bridge Bangla, focused on the detention of journalists, restrictions on free expression and what speakers described as a continuing deterioration of democratic institutions under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. Participants strongly condemned the arrest, intimidation and prosecution of journalists in Bangladesh, arguing that many media professionals were facing politically motivated and fabricated allegations following the unrest of 2024. Speakers called for the immediate and unconditional release of detained journalists and warned that continued suppression of the media would further undermine democratic accountability and civil liberties. The keynote speaker, veteran British journalist William Horsley, who worked for the BBC for 35 years and is associated with the Commonwealth Journalists Association, stressed that a free press remains essential for any functioning democracy.Referring to detained Bangladeshi journalists including Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Haque Babu, Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed, Horsley said it was “completely unacceptable” that they remained imprisoned nearly 18 months after their arrests on what he described as “spurious and groundless charges.” Senior British journalist Rita Payne, former head of BBC South Asia and executive member of the Commonwealth Journalists Association UK, also expressed concern over the continued detention and persecution of journalists in Bangladesh. She criticised the interim administration for failing to safeguard press freedom despite international commitments to democratic values.Barrister Tania Ameer delivered a detailed legal and constitutional analysis of media legislation, institutional accountability and the broader socio-political environment affecting journalism in Bangladesh. She argued that the detention of journalists reflected a systematic attempt to silence dissent, independent thought and critical reporting. According to her observations, the absence of judicial independence and the weakening of the rule of law continue to create conditions in which repression can persist regardless of political transition. Prominent journalist and Commonwealth Journalists Association member Syed Badrul Ahsan criticised what he described as the failure of journalist organisations in Bangladesh to speak out for detained colleagues. He urged journalists and rights defenders both inside and outside Bangladesh to raise stronger international awareness regarding the ongoing crackdown on media professionals. Nahas Pasha, editor of the UK’s oldest Bengali newspaper Janomot and Vice President of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, called for the immediate release of all journalists detained without formal charges or on what he described as fabricated accusations. Joining virtually from New York, former National Press Club president Farida Yasmin alleged that journalists in Bangladesh had faced systematic persecution, including the cancellation of press accreditation, freezing of bank accounts and various forms of psychological and physical harassment. One of the most emotional moments of the discussion came through a virtual address from Australia by Shushma Shashi Dutta, daughter of detained journalist Shyamal Dutta. Speaking about her father’s imprisonment, she highlighted the severe humanitarian and emotional impact prolonged detention has had on the family. She said her father had been held without trial for more than 600 days despite suffering from serious health complications and requiring urgent medical treatment. Her remarks underscored the wider human cost faced by families of detained journalists.London-Bangla Press Club General Secretary Md Akramul Hossain noted that although journalists in Bangladesh have historically faced challenges, the present situation has become increasingly alarming with repeated reports of attacks on journalists while carrying out professional duties. Former Bangladeshi minister and democracy advocate Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury delivered the vote of thanks and urged international journalists, rights campaigners and democratic institutions to continue raising concerns on global platforms regarding the condition of democracy and press freedom in Bangladesh. The event drew a diverse audience from across the United Kingdom, including journalists, academics, business representatives, lawyers, community leaders and human rights activists. Participants expressed solidarity with detained journalists and praised Protect Bangladesh for organising the dialogue and highlighting concerns surrounding media freedom, democracy and human rights. The programme was moderated by senior journalist and former Bangladesh High Commission press minister Ashequn Nabi Chowdhury.