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The Committee to Protect Journalists on October 19 joined five civil society organizations in a letter urging Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, to strengthen protection of human rights and press freedom ahead of the 2026 elections. In the joint letter, the groups commended reforms undertaken since the July Revolution that ended Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League rule, but warned that serious gaps remain in accountability and action was needed to prevent backsliding. The organizations called on the interim government to safeguard press freedom, protect journalists from arbitrary arrest and detention, and end harassment and violence against the media. They urged authorities to ensure prompt, independent investigations into all attacks on journalists and to implement recommendations from Bangladesh’s Media Reform Commission that align with international standards. The letter also pressed for the repeal or amendment of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 and other restrictive laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, Special Powers Act, Official Secrets Act, and criminal defamation under the penal code, which continue to threaten freedom of expression and media independence. Read the full statement here.
