PRESS FREEDOM Beyond rhetoric, towards responsibility and reform

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 collective resolve of journalists, media institutions and professional associations. Laws and safeguards matter, certainly, but they are too often undermined, diluted or selectively enforced. In such an environment, it is the human element — the willingness to report, resist and organise — that sustains the fragile edifice of press freedom.

This is not to diminish the importance of legal frameworks. Robust legislation, independent oversight bodies and judicial recourse are indispensable in protecting journalists from harassment, censorship and violence. However, the gap between law and practice is frequently wide. Governments may promulgate progressive laws while simultaneously enabling a culture of intimidation. Worse, when political or partisan interests feel threatened, the same authorities entrusted with safeguarding freedoms can turn against the press, weaponising laws to silence dissenting voices.

Bangladesh offers a telling example. The widespread abuse of the Digital Security Act — later rebranded as the Cyber Security Act — during the Awami League regime illustrates how legal instruments can be repurposed to stifle journalism. Dozens of journalists faced charges, arrests, custodial torture and prolonged legal battles under provisions that were ostensibly designed to combat cybercrime and misinformation. In practice, these laws were frequently invoked against reporting deemed inconvenient or critical of those in power. The chilling effect was immediate and profound: self-censorship deepened, investigative journalism suffered and public discourse narrowed.

The consequences of such practices extend beyond individual journalists. When media outlets operate under constant threat, the public’s right to information is compromised. A society deprived of credible, independent reporting becomes more vulnerable to misinformation, propaganda and unchecked authority. Press freedom, therefore, is not only a professional concern but also a cornerstone of accountable governance and informed citizenship.

Globally, the outlook is equally troubling. According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, press freedom has experienced a marked decline between 2019 and 2024, reaching its lowest level in half a century. The recently published World Press Freedom Index by the leading Paris-based press freedom NGO, Reporters Sans Frontieres, or Reporters Without Borders, also says that press freedom around the world has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century.

This trend reflects a convergence of factors — the rise of populist politics, increasing hostility towards independent media, the proliferation of disinformation and the economic fragility of news organisations. In many countries, journalists face not only legal harassment but also physical threats, online abuse and financial insecurity.

Nowhere is the danger more stark than in conflict zones. In Gaza, more than 250 journalists have been killed in Gaza since 2023, underscoring the extreme risks faced by those reporting from the frontlines of war. These deaths represent the silencing of witnesses, the erasure of narratives and the erosion of global understanding of conflict realities. When journalists are targeted, whether deliberately or as collateral damage, the world loses vital channels of truth.

Yet even outside war zones, the conditions under which journalists operate can be and are precarious. In Bangladesh, as in many developing countries, those working beyond the capital face particular challenges. Regional correspondents often contend with irregular employment, meagre wages and limited institutional support. Their vulnerability is compounded by local power dynamics, where political actors, business interests and law enforcement agencies may exert undue influence. Without adequate protection mechanisms, these journalists are exposed to intimidation and retaliation, often with little recourse.

Economic insecurity further exacerbates the problem. Media houses themselves are under strain, grappling with declining revenues and the disruptive impact of digital platforms. In such circumstances, cost-cutting measures frequently affect newsroom staffing and editorial independence. Journalists may be pressured to produce more content with fewer resources, compromising both quality and ethical standards. The temptation to prioritise sensationalism over substance has grown, undermining public trust in the media.

This brings us to the question of journalistic malpractice. It would be disingenuous to suggest that all challenges to press freedom originate externally. Instances of unethical reporting, misinformation and partisan bias do exist and must be addressed. However, the solution lies not in heavy-handed state intervention but in credible, independent self-regulation. A free press must also be a responsible one, guided by professional standards and accountability mechanisms that command public confidence.

In this regard, the proposal put forward by the Media Reform Commission that the interim government formed merits serious consideration. After extensive stakeholder consultations, comparative studies and legal analysis, the commission recommended the establishment of a unified and independent Bangladesh Media Commission. This body would operate free from government dominance, aligning with global best practices of self-regulation. Such an institution could serve as a forum for addressing complaints, enforcing ethical standards and mediating disputes, thereby strengthening both press freedom and public trust.

This is unfortunate that the interim government itself deviated from the Commission’s recommendations. The BNP government should, therefore, seriously reconsider the recommendations and establish a unified and independent Bangladesh Media Commission.

The success of such a commission, however, would depend on its design and implementation. Independence must be more than a formal attribute. It requires transparent appointment processes, secure tenure for members and adequate resources. Representation from across the media landscape — including print, broadcast and digital platforms, as well as regional journalists — would be essential. Equally important is the commission’s credibility in the eyes of the public and the profession. Without trust, even the most well-conceived body might become ineffective.

At a broader level, safeguarding press freedom demands a multi-pronged approach. Legal reforms are necessary to repeal or amend provisions that enable arbitrary action against journalists. Law enforcement agencies must be sensitised to the role of the media in a democratic society, ensuring that journalists are protected rather than persecuted. The judiciary, too, has a critical role in upholding constitutional guarantees and providing timely redress.

Civil society and professional associations are equally vital. Journalists’ unions, press clubs and advocacy groups can provide support networks, legal assistance and platforms for collective action. Their role in documenting violations, raising awareness and engaging with policymakers is indispensable. In most instances, it is the solidarity within the profession that deters further abuses and compels accountability. But disturbingly enough, most media professional associations in Bangladesh play to the tunes of the ruling party of the day and treat journalists who dare to do their duties properly as pariahs.  

Technology adds another layer of complexity. While digital platforms have expanded the reach of journalism, they have also introduced new vulnerabilities. Online harassment, surveillance and the rapid spread of misinformation pose significant challenges. At the same time, governments may cite these risks to justify restrictive regulations, blurring the line between legitimate oversight and censorship. Navigating this terrain requires a careful balance, ensuring that measures to address digital harms do not encroach upon fundamental freedoms.

Ultimately, press freedom is not a static condition but a continuous struggle. It is shaped by the interplay of laws, institutions, economic realities and societal attitudes. Governments may set the tone, but they do not hold a monopoly over outcomes. The daily decisions of editors, reporters and media owners — what to investigate, what to publish, what to resist — collectively define the boundaries of freedom.

In Bangladesh, as elsewhere, the path forward lies in recognising this shared responsibility. Authorities must move beyond rhetoric, demonstrating genuine commitment through actions that protect and empower the press. Media organisations must invest in professionalism, ethical standards and the welfare of their employees. Journalists themselves must uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness and independence, even in the face of adversity.

The stakes are high. A free and vibrant press is essential not only for exposing wrongdoing but also for fostering dialogue, bridging divides and enabling informed decision-making. When press freedom is curtailed, the consequences reverberate across society, weakening democratic institutions and eroding public trust.

In the final analysis, press freedom cannot be granted solely from above; it must be claimed, defended and continually renewed from within. It is the product of vigilance, solidarity and an unwavering commitment to truth. Governments may falter, and laws may be misused, but a determined and united press has the capacity to push back, to hold power to account and to keep the public informed. That, more than any declaration or statute, is the true measure of press freedom.

Monwarul Islam is an assistant editor at New Age.