Bangladesh charges six journalists over corruption reporting

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 June 2026 |  JP Asia Desk

Bangladeshi authorities charged six journalists from Agrajatra Pratidin under the Cyber Security Act and accused them of criminal defamation, extortion and intimidation after reporting alleged corruption by State Minister Mir Shahe Alam.

Summary

NEW DELHI — Bangladeshi authorities are facing renewed criticism from international press freedom advocates after criminal charges were filed against six journalists from the daily Agrajatra Pratidin over reporting on alleged political corruption involving a government minister.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Monday called on authorities to drop all charges against the journalists, arguing that the case represents an attempt to criminalize public-interest journalism. According to CPJ, police have charged the journalists under Bangladesh's Cyber Security Act 2026, alongside allegations of criminal defamation, extortion, and criminal intimidation.

Journalists targeted after corruption reports

The complaint was filed by Bogura Press Club Treasurer Tanvir Alam Rimon and relates to the newspaper's reporting on alleged corruption involving State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam. The complaint accuses the journalists of publishing false and defamatory information and alleges that acting editor Md. Rezanur Islam attempted to extort 2 million taka (about US$16,400) from Rimon and Alam.

Police in Bogura arrested Islam on June 18. He remained in custody until a court granted him bail on June 21. Authorities have indicated that efforts to arrest five other journalists named in the complaint are continuing, including publisher and editor Mehedi Hasan, news editor Ashraf Ali Faruqi, reporter Saleh Kaisar, and two local correspondents.

CPJ condemns the use of cyber and defamation laws

CPJ's Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator, Kunal Majumder, described the case as a "blatant act of intimidation" and urged Bangladeshi authorities to stop using cyber legislation and criminal defamation provisions against journalists.

The press freedom organization said the prosecution raises concerns about the use of legal mechanisms to discourage scrutiny of public officials and reporting on allegations of corruption. CPJ also noted that it sought comment from local authorities and officials in the prime minister's office but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Growing concerns over media freedom

The case comes amid broader concerns about press freedom in Bangladesh. CPJ has previously documented physical attacks on journalists, harassment of media workers, and growing pressures linked to political polarization. Earlier this month, the organization urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to fulfill election pledges aimed at strengthening protections for independent journalism.

Notably, Minister Mir Shahe Alam reportedly expressed regret over Islam's arrest and stated that no one should pursue legal action on his behalf, adding another layer of complexity to the case. Despite that position, the criminal proceedings remain active against the journalists.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The case highlights the continuing use of cybercrime and defamation laws against journalists in South Asia, a trend closely watched by media rights organizations. For newsrooms, it underscores the legal risks associated with corruption reporting and the importance of safeguards that protect investigative journalism in the public interest.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on a public statement issued by the Committee to Protect Journalists on June 22, 2026, and information contained in the police case file reviewed by CPJ.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.