Bangladesh charges six journalists over corruption reporting, press freedom groups sound alarm

Bangladeshi authorities have charged six journalists over reports alleging corruption involving a senior government official, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The case was filed after the journalists published investigative stories on the allegations.

The charges drew swift criticism from international press freedom groups.

The New York-based rights body said prosecuting journalists for corruption reporting threatens media freedom and could deter scrutiny of public officials.

The CPJ said the case appears to be retaliation for public-interest reporting and urged authorities to immediately withdraw the charges.

“Journalists must not face criminal prosecution for reporting on allegations of corruption,” the organisation said, arguing that the use of legal action against reporters risks creating a chilling effect on media scrutiny of powerful figures.

The latest case adds to mounting concerns over press freedom in Bangladesh, where journalists have increasingly faced legal action, arrests, investigations and intimidation linked to their reporting.

The CPJ and other rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the use of criminal laws and judicial proceedings against members of the press.

The charges come amid broader scrutiny of Bangladesh’s media environment.

Earlier this month, the CPJ said at least 25 journalists were facing investigations by the International Crimes Tribunal, warning that legal mechanisms were increasingly being deployed against media professionals over their journalistic work.

Press freedom advocates say corruption reporting remains one of the most dangerous beats in Bangladesh. Journalists investigating allegations of graft and abuse of power have previously reported threats, assaults and legal harassment.

The case is likely to intensify debate over the state of media freedom under Bangladesh’s current administration.

Since the change in government earlier this year, domestic and international watchdogs have urged authorities to uphold commitments to free expression and ensure journalists can report without fear of prosecution or reprisal.

No immediate response from the authorities regarding the CPJ’s criticism was available.

However, the case has already drawn attention from media rights advocates, who argue that criminalizing reporting on alleged corruption undermines transparency and public accountability.