NewAge Longreads

by Monwarul Islam PRESS freedom is often invoked as a badge of democratic legitimacy and governments routinely affirm their commitment to a free press, placing it at the centre of constitutional guarantees and international pledges. Yet the lived reality of journalism frequently tells a different story. Across the world — and acutely in countries like Bangladesh — press freedom is less a product of official assurances and more the outcome of the courage, persistence and colle

by Tina Nandi EIGHTEEN months after the July uprising, Bangladesh entered 2026 with a national election. The intervening period was marked by the tenure of an interim government, formed in the uprising’s aftermath and officially tasked with stabilising the state, undertaking necessary reforms, and overseeing a credible electoral process. Positioned between rupture and restoration, this arrangement was expected to function as a neutral bridge, holding institutions in place unt

by Mir Hojaifa Al Mamduh THE intensity of the July movement escalated following a press conference held at Ganabhaban on July 14, 2024. After returning from an official visit to China, the fallen prime minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a lengthy explanation addressing the quota reform movement. The most controversial aspect of her remarks, however, was her framing of the entire movement through the binary of the freedom fighters and ‘razakars’ (war collaborators). Labelling th

by Roman Uddin WHEN the newly elected government passed the Cyber Security Bill 2026 on 10 March, it marked a significant step in the advancement of the country’s cyber laws. Within the constitutional deadline of 30 days following the first session of Parliament, the bill transformed the interim government’s Cyber Security Ordinance into law. This development, coming after years of debate over digital regulation, provided an important moment to reflect on the difficult lesson

by Kazi Jesin ON AUGUST 5, 2024, a student-led uprising ended nearly 16 years of authoritarian rule in Bangladesh, forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. For a brief moment, hope felt tangible — fear might recede, truth could be spoken freely, and reporting would no longer demand personal sacrifice. Yet transitions are rarely simple. From 2010 to August 4, 2024, journalists faced killings, enforced disappearances, and arrests. Photographer Shahidul Alam was detained for over

by Ahammad Foyez BANGLADESH is at a turning point when it comes to the future of its media environment. The focus has moved away from questioning whether there is press freedom in Bangladesh to how the form will evolve in the coming decade. Technology, legislation, economy, institutions, and internal dynamics of journalism will all come together to influence its trajectory. Technology has had a huge impact on journalism in Bangladesh. Social media websites, YouTube videos, an