Journalists in dire situation as Bangladesh election nears

Being a journalist is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. 

Journalists are often victims of harassment, attacks and threats as they cover news reports, especially when they report about conflicts, wars, politics, political rivalry and elections.

During elections, journalists often report about campaigns, rallies, and protests, which make them vulnerable to all kinds of attacks and threats. 

With the rise of technology, journalists are not only experiencing physical attacks, but also digital attacks.

Such is the case of Bangladeshi journalists who fear being attacked as the country prepares for the elections in 2026.

More journalists fear being attacked

In a study titled “High Risk, Low Preparedness: Journalist Safety in the 2026 Election”, Digitally Right surveyed 201 journalists across 19 districts and conducted in-depth interviews, where 89 percent of respondents said they fear physical attacks or assault while covering election-related events.

Seventy-six percent said they expect verbal harassment during their coverage, while 71 percent fear intimidation.

For female journalists, 50 percent of them said they fear sexual harassment might happen to them, while 40 percent fear sexual assault.

Respondents said digital attacks may occur, with 75 percent of them anticipating disinformation campaigns against them or their newsrooms, while 65 percent fear hacking attempts.

According to more than 90 percent of respondents, political parties and activists are the primary sources of physical threats. 

Female journalists also identified law enforcement agencies and extremist religious groups as significant risks.

Journalists fear that these attacks may further intensify as the election nears due to political labeling, public distrust of the media, extremism, mob violence, weak law enforcement, and targeted disinformation against reporters.

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Newsrooms unprepared

Despite the threats and danger journalists are facing, most newsrooms in the country seem unprepared. 

According to most respondents, newsrooms in the country have no designated person or system to manage safety threats. 

Other respondents said no digital safety protocols were implemented, with 77 percent of them saying no such measures are in place. 

A few journalists said their newsrooms provide safety gear for training for their employees.

What to do to protect journalists?

The study said there is a need for additional measures to strengthen journalist safety during the election period, including practical physical and digital safety training. 

It also recommended implementing clear newsroom protocols and systems, gender-sensitive protections, and improved access to emergency and legal support.

The work of a journalist is a difficult one. 

As they keep the public informed about things that people should know, the government, their employers, and society must also need to do something to make them safe and protected against all threats and harm.

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