Dhaka, Aug 08 (V7N) – The Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) has expressed grave concern over recent incidents affecting press freedom, including the turmoil at the Daily Janakantha office, and raised alarm over the overall safety of journalists in the country. The association also described findings in the latest Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report on media freedom and access to information as “deeply regrettable.”

In a statement signed by NOAB President AK Azad on Thursday, the organization said it had hoped that the mass uprising which united the nation last year would lead to the establishment of a free, impartial, and democratic society, ensuring citizens’ fundamental rights such as freedom of information, expression, and media independence. “But that expectation has not been fulfilled in the past year,” the statement noted.

The association called on the government to take urgent steps to guarantee media freedom as part of building a democratic society.

Addressing the Daily Janakantha incident, NOAB criticized the reported use of a “mob” to pressure the newspaper’s management over demands. “If there is any wage or dues-related dispute, it should be resolved through the labour court. Any disagreement over content or editorial matters should be taken to the Bangladesh Press Council. Instead, an unpleasant and unacceptable situation was created at the newspaper’s office and online portal,” the statement read.

Citing the TIB report, NOAB highlighted that between August 2024 and July 2025, 496 journalists faced harassment. Of these, 266 were accused in murder cases related to last July’s mass uprising, three journalists were killed while on duty, 24 media workers were dismissed, and editors of eight newspapers as well as news chiefs of 11 private television channels lost their jobs.

The association also condemned the practice of mobilizing groups to intimidate media owners, calling for an immediate end to such tactics.

“We believe that ensuring the security and independence of the media will further strengthen the foundation of a democratic state,” NOAB affirmed.

END/RH/AJ