Journalists face online threats after Bangladesh media attacks

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 1 hour ago |  JP Asia Desk

Journalists in Bangladesh report rising online threats and intimidation after violent mob attacks on major newspapers, compounding physical risks and underscoring chilling effects on free press.

Summary

DHAKA — Journalists in Bangladesh are reporting a rise in online threats and intimidation following violent attacks on major news organizations that have shaken the media landscape and heightened concerns over press freedom in the run-up to the February 2026 national elections. 

In the wake of coordinated mob assaults on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka, journalists across the country are now facing an escalation of targeted threats and harassment on social media platforms that critics say deepen the climate of fear for the press. 

The attacks on December 18 left both major newsrooms damaged and presses halted, drawing widespread condemnation from media groups and rights organizations.

Online threats rise after physical attacks

Beyond the physical dangers, media professionals report a surge in social media posts calling for violence against individual reporters and editors, often tied to perceived political biases or their coverage of unrest. These digital threats are circulating widely and amplified by accounts with significant followings, creating what rights advocates describe as a chilling environment for independent reporting. 

Impact on journalist safety and reporting

The combination of online intimidation and real-world violence is intensifying fears among Bangladeshi journalists, particularly as the country approaches a highly contested election period. Some journalists have said they are reconsidering their assignments or self-censoring due to the dual pressures of virtual harassment and physical threat. 

Observers note that such social media-driven threats can quickly escalate into tangible danger, contributing to a decline in civic space and undermining press freedom. Rights organizations warn that impunity for perpetrators of both digital abuse and physical attacks could set a precedent that further endangers critical voices. 

KEY POINTS:

• Journalists in Bangladesh report heightened social media threats after mobs attacked major newspaper offices
• Physical assaults and online calls for violence are compounding risks for media workers ahead of the 2026 national elections
• Rights groups warn that digital and real-world intimidation chills press freedom and independent journalism
• Both Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were targeted in arson and vandalism that trapped journalists inside their buildings

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting compiled from verified news sources.

PHOTO: By Gerd Altmann from Pixabay