The fascist Yunus-led interim government’s rush to enact two controversial ordinances on media regulation has drawn sharp criticism from editors, journalists, and rights groups, amid a worsening climate for press freedom in Bangladesh.
The proposed National Media Commission Ordinance and Broadcasting Commission Ordinance 2026—released just weeks before the February 12 national election—have been slammed as hasty, opaque, and likely to entrench state control rather than protect independent journalism.
The Editors’ Council, representing newspaper editors, condemned the drafts as “undesirable and illogical” in a statement on February 1, 2026. President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud highlighted that the ordinances were published with only three days for public feedback, despite the far-reaching implications for media freedom and broadcasting.
They argued that such sensitive laws require extensive consultation with stakeholders—including journalists, editors, and civil society—yet none occurred. The council warned that the drafts’ structure prioritises state control over safeguarding press independence, describing the process as contrary to democratic and participatory norms. They urged postponing enactment until after an elected parliament forms, emphasising transparent, responsible procedures to ensure long-term media freedom and professional security.
This criticism comes against a backdrop of stalled reforms. The Media Reform Commission, headed by senior journalist Kamal Ahmed, submitted its report in March 2025 with over 100 recommendations to foster independent, objective media—including merging state broadcasters into an autonomous entity. Yet, as of now, none had been implemented, despite urgent lists provided to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Kamal Ahmed expressed deep frustration, blaming bureaucratic resistance and lack of political will, noting the government circulated the report for opinions but took no action. He called the current ordinances a “patchwork” approach that ignores the commission’s unified, independent regulator vision.
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Journalists’ plights have intensified under the interim regime. Veteran journalist Anis Alamgir, a critic of Yunus and known for war reporting, has been detained since December 15, 2025, under the amended Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
Accused of “rehabilitating” the banned Awami League via social media and talk shows, his bail was denied on January 23, 2026, prolonging his imprisonment without trial. His lawyer argued the charges lack evidence and misuse anti-terror laws for harassment. Amnesty International demanded his release, calling it part of an “alarming trend” targeting perceived critics.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the baseless charges, while domestic groups like Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) decried it as a “blatant assault” on constitutional freedoms. Reports indicate a surge in journalist harassment: over 640 targeted with cases, 292 implicated in mass probes (including murder/genocide charges tied to 2024 protests), 39 arrests, and 13 ongoing imprisonments as of late 2025.
Physical security threats compound the crisis. Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, described journalism in Bangladesh as gripped by “all-encompassing fear,” where even slight deviations from dominant narratives invite attacks. In an Al Jazeera interview, he recounted a mob arson attack on The Daily Star building, trapping staff and nearly causing fatalities—likely politically motivated to destroy independent voices supporting pluralism.
A close aide of Muhammad Yunus, Mahfuz Anam, noted cautious word choice due to intimidation, online abuse via coordinated troll armies, and social media’s weaponisation by political groups. He lamented the shift from free expression concerns to basic survival, with attackers showing intent to kill rather than just vandalise.
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Local and international human rights organisations have deplored the situation. Pro-regime Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) labelled the ordinances a “parting mockery” of free media commitments, contradicting reform demands.
Human Rights Watch and others criticised ATA for repression. Editors and advocates argue the regime’s actions—revoking accreditations, freezing accounts, and enabling mob violence—foster censorship ahead of elections, undermining democracy. With no progress on journalist protection laws promised by the reform commission, the ordinances risk exacerbating a chilling environment where questioning power equates to peril.
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