WASHINGTON
A prominent international press freedom group is urging Bangladesh’s new government to honor its election promises by dropping “politically motivated” charges against four senior journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) sent a formal letter to Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, requesting the immediate release of Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Haq Babu, and Shyamal Dutta.
The four journalists have been behind bars for over 18 months, originally arrested under a previous interim administration on murder charges. Despite nearly 600 days in custody, the CPJ points out that police have failed to file any formal charge sheets or present credible evidence. The group argues the arrests were likely retaliation for the journalists’ reporting and perceived political leanings.
Beyond the legal battle, the CPJ raised alarms regarding a growing humanitarian crisis in the prisons. According to the letter, Shyamal Dutta suffered a stroke shortly after his arrest and has unaddressed heart issues. Mozammel Haq Babu is a cancer survivor who has been denied essential follow-up care, while Farzana Rupa was reportedly held in a cell intended for death-row inmates.
The CPJ noted that the Tarique Rahman-led government, which recently won a landslide victory in the 2026 elections, had campaigned on a platform of media reform and justice. The organization is now calling on the administration to fulfill those pledges, ensuring that these media professionals are allowed to return to their families and receive the urgent medical attention they require.
