JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 11, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channelBangladesh police this week formally charged three journalists under the Digital Security Act (DSA) for publishing material alleged to have the potential to ‘destroy communal harmony and create unrest.’
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly condemned the charges under the draconian act and the flagrant and ongoing intimidation by police against Bangladesh media workers.
Photographer Shafiqul Islam Kajol was charged on February 8, while cartoonist Ahmed Kabir Kishore and writer Mushtaq Ahmed were both charged on February 4.
Bangladesh’s DSA, adopted in October 2018, puts dangerous restrictions on freedom of expression and is regularly used by authorities to silence criticism. During 2020, arrests under the DSA increased significantly to crack down on COVID-19 “rumours”.
Ramna police charged Kishore and Ahmed, along with Rashtrochinta activist Didarul Islam Bhuiyan, on February 4 with violations of the DSA including the publishing of propaganda, false or offensive information, and information that could destroy communal harmony and create unrest. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 million taka (US $118,000) and up to 10 years imprisonment.
Four days later, on February 8, Kajol, a photographer and editor of Pakkhakal Sahfiqual magazine, was charged in Dhaka for allegedly criticising political leaders and spreading false, offensive and defamatory information on his personal Facebook page. Each charge carries a penalty of three years in prison. Kajol also faces another five years imprisonment for another charge of unauthorized use of identity information, and a fine of 300,000 to 500,000 taka (US$3,500-$6,000).
The case against Kishore and Ahmed was originally filed at Ramna Police station on May 6, 2020 by Abu Bakar Siddique, the assistant director of the third branch of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The paramilitary force is accused widely by human rights groups of abuse of power and serious human rights violations.
The two journalists were among 11 people indicted the same day, including Swedish-Bangladeshi journalist Tasneem Khalil, US-based journalist Shahed Alam and German blogger Asif Mohiuddia. However, only Kishore, Ahmed and Bhuiyan were charged after a reported lack of evidence against the other eight accused. Kishore and Ahmed have both been held in prison for nine months, with bail petitions rejected as many as six times.
The journalists are being prosecuted under Section 25(1) (b), Section 31 and Section 35 of the DSA, which forbids any campaign, "against the Liberation War of Bangladesh, the cognition of the Liberation War, Father of the Nation, National Anthem or National Flag", anyone "tarnishing the image of the nation or spread confusions" or attempting to "create hostility, hatred or adversity among people or destroy any communal harmony or create unrest or disorder or deteriorates or threatens to deteriorate law and order."
Shafiqul Islam Kajol has been repeatedly intimidated over the past year, after he published an allegedly defamatory article on social media about a member of parliament for the Awami League, Saifuzzaman Shikor. On March 20, 2020, Kajol was reported missing in a suspected ‘enforced disappearance by Bangladesh authorities and was later arrested under the DSA on May 2. He was released from prison on December 25.
The IFJ said: “Bangladesh’s oppressive Digital Security Act has been put into overdrive for abuse since the onset of Covid-19 with dire consequences for press freedom. The IFJ calls on the Bangladesh government and police to cease the threats and attacks on journalists, social media users and media rights activists and to dismiss all charges against Kishore, Ahmed and Kajol.”—IFJ media release/Photo: AFP
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.