By 
Amrit K. Tamber
Girl protesting with Bangladesh flag in the back surrounded by fellow protestors. Source: ©Mehedi Hasan/Pexels, 2023.
There is a rising alarm over press freedom and the criminalisation of dissent in Bangladesh as nine journalists have been sued for incitement and violence during the July 2023 protests that happened in Dhaka.
Nine journalists, including staff from Samakal, Jamuna TV, and Prothom Alo have been sued for their alleged involvement in the incitement of attacks during the July 2023 anti government protests that occurred in Dhaka. This case was filed by a member of the Awami League’s volunteer wing who claims that the journalists played a role in provoking violence through their ongoing coverage and commentary about the protests.
The July uprising, which saw tens of thousands demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheik Hasina’s resignation turned violent with constant reports of arson and protest clashes. The police have not clarified how the journalists were directly responsible for the chaos that occurred through their contributions of reporting events.
Press freedom organizations, opposition leaders and the community have condemned the lawsuit as a blatant attempt to silence and intimidate opposing media voices and critical journalism. This move comes amidst broader concerns about the shrinking of civic space with the increase of authoritarianism in Bangladesh.
Sources and Further Reading:
Daily Sun. (2025, March 31). 165 sued over attack on July-August movement protesters. Daily Sun. https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/798468
Islam, M. R. (2025, April 1). July uprising: Hasina, 9 journos sued for attacks, incitement. The Daily Star. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/july-uprising-hasina-nine-journos-sued-attacks-incitement-3860366
New Age Desk. (2025, March 31). July-August uprising: Hasina, 8 journalists among 165 sued for attack on protesters. New Age Bangladesh. https://www.newagebd.net/post/politics/261225/july-august-uprising-hasina-8-journalists-among-165-sued-for-attack-on-protesters
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