A special tribunal in Bangladesh’s capital has ordered that three journalists remain jailed until their trial in a case connected to the mass uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.
Journalists Named In The Case
The tribunal directed that Mozammel Babu, editor-in-chief of private broadcaster Ekattor Television, its principal correspondent Farzana Rupa, and Shyamal Dutta, editor of daily Bhorer Kagoj and former general secretary of the National Press Club in Dhaka, remain in custody. All three appeared before the tribunal on Monday, where the judge fixed October 25 for the next court proceedings and directed investigators to submit their findings.
Charges Tied To The Uprising
The three journalists have been held for years following Hasina’s ouster, facing various charges including murder in connection with the uprising of July-August 2024, during which hundreds of people were killed. Hasina, who fled to India two years ago, was later tried in absentia and sentenced to death on charges of crimes against humanity. The journalists were originally arrested during the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, which handed over power to a new government in February.
Families Allege Illegal Detention
The families of the detained journalists have complained that they were being held illegally, raising questions about due process in cases connected to the political fallout from the uprising.
Press Freedom Groups Raise Concerns
International press freedom advocates have criticised the proceedings. Committee to Protect Journalists Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator Kunal Majumder said earlier this month that launching a crimes-against-humanity case against journalists for simply asking questions at a press conference was troubling. He added that while editorial decisions may be partisan or ethically questionable, they should not be criminalised, warning that doing so sets a dangerous precedent and undermines Bangladesh’s democratic reputation.
Discover More Stories Worth Your Time
Explore Why Colombia Declared Emergency?
Discover what the powerful earthquake means for Colombia and the latest emergency response.
Check Why Jaya’s Sarees Trend?
Discover why Jaya Ahsan’s elegant saree looks continue captivating fans online.
See Where Hasina’s Crisis Leads?
Explore the accountability debate surrounding Hasina, India, and Bangladesh’s political future.
Find Which Airport Hotels Fit?
Discover convenient hotels near Dhaka Airport for short layovers and overnight stays.
A Case Watched Closely
The tribunal’s decision comes amid continued scrutiny of Bangladesh’s handling of cases tied to the 2024 uprising, as the country works through a complex legal and political transition following Hasina’s departure. With the next hearing set for late October, the case is expected to remain a focal point for both domestic legal observers and international press freedom organisations monitoring how journalists are treated in the aftermath of the political upheaval.
Summary: A special tribunal in Dhaka has ordered three prominent journalists to stay in jail until their trial in a case linked to the July-August 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as press freedom groups raise concerns over the criminalisation of editorial work.
