24/8/26
The CJA has issued this statement in response to the latest legal moves against journalists in Bangladesh:
“The Commonwealth Journalists Association strongly condemns the decision of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on Monday, August 24, 2026, to order three senior journalists to continue to be held in jail until their case comes to trial in connection with a “crimes against humanity” case relating to the July 2024 uprising.
The journalists, pictured above, are Shyamal Dutta, former editor of Bhorer Kagoj and Vice President of the Commonwealth Journalists Association; Mozammel Haq Babu, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Ekattor TV; and Farzana Rupa, Chief Correspondent of Ekattor TV.
The CJA is particularly alarmed by the apparent basis of the allegations against the journalists. According to the prosecution, the case relates, among other things, to a press conference held by then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban on July 14, 2024, during which journalists allegedly made “provocative remarks” while asking questions.
Questioning a political leader at a press conference, however contentious the questions may be, is a fundamental part of a journalist’s professional duty. It cannot, in itself, constitute a crime against humanity.
The use of an International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute journalists for their professional conduct sets an extremely disturbing precedent for press freedom in Bangladesh. Journalists must be held accountable for genuine criminal acts where credible evidence exists, but they cannot be criminalised simply for asking questions, reporting events or being perceived as politically sympathetic to one side or another.
“The CJA calls upon the Government of Bangladesh and the judicial authorities to ensure that journalism is not treated as a criminal activity … “
The CJA has repeatedly expressed concern over the prolonged detention and prosecution of journalists in Bangladesh. Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Haq Babu and Farzana Rupa have already spent a prolonged period in custody, despite serious questions over the evidence against them and the failure, according to reports, to file charge sheets substantiating the original allegations within the prescribed legal framework.
The CJA is also deeply concerned about the humanitarian circumstances surrounding their detention. Dutta has documented cardiac and severe sleep apnoea conditions requiring medical assessment and treatment. Babu underwent major surgery for prostate cancer in late 2023 and reportedly requires continuing medical care.
These circumstances make the continued incarceration of the three journalists all the more troubling.
The CJA calls upon the Government of Bangladesh and the judicial authorities to ensure that journalism is not treated as a criminal activity and that journalists are not punished for performing their professional responsibilities.
The CJA urges the authorities to review the proceedings against Dutta, Babu and Rupa with the utmost urgency, ensure due process and credible evidentiary standards, and release them unless there is clear and demonstrable evidence of an independently established criminal offence.
The independence of the media is not a privilege granted by governments. It is an essential condition of a democratic society.
The CJA stands in solidarity with Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Haq Babu, Farzana Rupa and all journalists in Bangladesh who seek only to perform their professional duties without fear of arrest, imprisonment or political retribution.”
