Press Watchdog Demands Release of Imprisoned Bangladeshi Journalists

An international press watchdog has urged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to release journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh on politically motivated murder charges. Four journalists, including Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed, are held in Kashimpur prison under harsh conditions, raising serious human rights concerns.

An international press watchdog has intensified calls for the release of journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh, urging Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to act immediately. At least four journalists face politically motivated murder charges without credible evidence.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlighted in their letter that these journalists, Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta, are in high-security Kashimpur prison. Their detention conditions are inadequate and raise significant human rights concerns, as reported by their families.

The charges emerged post the interim government's tenure beginning August 8 last year, with journalists' bail petitions continuously denied. Reporters Without Borders has also reported the arrest of another journalist under anti-terror laws, underscoring the escalating crackdown on press freedom.

(With inputs from agencies.)