Archive · 10 Dec 2025
US Group Urges Bangladesh to Free Journalists
A group in the US that protects journalists wrote a letter to the leader of Bangladesh's government.
They are worried about four journalists who are in prison.
The group says the journalists might be in prison because of their work and not because they did something wrong.
The prison conditions are very bad.
The cells are small, the food is not good, and there is no proper medical care.
The group wants the leader to free the journalists so they can go back to their families and do their jobs.
The group also says that freedom of speech is important and should be protected.
They hope the leader will do something about this before International Human Rights Day.
A US-based press freedom organisation, CPJ, has written to Bangladesh's interim government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, expressing concern over the imprisonment of four journalists on murder charges.
The journalists, Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta, have been denied bail and are being held in poor conditions at Kashimpur Prison in Gazipur district.
The CPJ alleges that the accusations lack credible evidence and appear to be in retaliation for their reporting and perceived political affiliations.
The prison conditions described include tiny cells, inadequate food, no permanent doctor, and untreated health conditions for the journalists.
The CPJ has called on Yunus to ensure the journalists' release, highlighting the importance of freedom of speech and expression as Bangladesh prepares for elections in February.
- Who
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and four imprisoned journalists in Bangladesh
- What
- A US-based press freedom organisation has raised concerns about the imprisonment of four journalists in Bangladesh
- When
- Ahead of International Human Rights Day on December 10
- Where
- Bangladesh, with the letter sent from New York
- Why
- The organisation alleges that the journalists are being held without credible evidence and in poor conditions, in retaliation for their reporting and perceived political affiliations
- Organisation
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
- Journalists Imprisoned
- Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, Shyamal Dutta
- Prison Conditions
- Tiny cells, inadequate food, no permanent doctor, untreated health conditions
- Charges
- Murder
- Bail Denied
- Repeatedly
- Lawyer Targeted
- ZI Khan Panna
- Prison Location
- Kashimpur Prison, Gazipur district
