Geneva: A global media safety watchdog has sounded the alarm over a spate of “mysterious” deaths of journalists in Bangladesh, urging the interim government in Dhaka to launch a credible investigation after two senior scribes were found dead in just ten days.
The Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) issued its statement on Monday following disturbing reports from the South Asian nation. The most recent case is that of 60-year-old Khulna-based journalist Wahed-uz-Zaman Bulu, whose body was recovered by police from under the Rupsa bridge on Sunday evening.
His death came shortly after the body of another missing journalist, 70-year-old Bibhuranjan Sarkar of the daily Ajker Patrika, was found on the bank of the Meghna river on August 22.
“Bangladesh continues to witness mysterious deaths and also physical & mental harassment to journalists,” said Blaise Lempen, president of PEC. He noted that over 500 cases of harassment against media persons have been recorded in the past year. “We demand fair probes in every case while ensuring the media safety as Bangladesh prepares for the 13th national elections… in February 2026.”
A Growing Toll in 2025
These two recent fatalities add to an already grim toll for journalists in Bangladesh this year. According to PEC’s regional representative, Nava Thakuria, at least three other journalists have been murdered in 2025:
Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin of Dainik Pratidiner Kagoj was hacked to death in Gazipur on August 7.
Anwar Hossain of Dainik Bangladesher Alo was killed in Gazipur on August 6.
Khandaker Shah Alam of Dainik Materi Jagat was killed in Dhaka on June 25.
The series of deaths has intensified concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists in the nation ahead of its general election.
