Elections – UN Raises Alarm Over Media Safety in Bangladesh Vote
Elections – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over reports that journalists were targeted by security forces ahead of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections scheduled for Thursday. The remarks were delivered through his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, during a press briefing at UN headquarters on Monday.
UN Calls for Peaceful and Inclusive Voting Process
Addressing questions from reporters, Dujarric said the United Nations expects the election process in Bangladesh to be conducted in a peaceful and inclusive environment. He stressed that the vote should align with the country’s constitution as well as its international commitments.
According to Dujarric, allegations that members of the Army detained staff from a local news organisation and that police used force against reporters are “extremely worrying.” He urged all political stakeholders and their supporters to avoid violence and to uphold essential democratic freedoms. These include the rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
The UN’s position, he noted, is rooted in the importance of ensuring that citizens can participate freely in democratic processes without intimidation or fear.
Reports of Detention and Release of Media Staff
Local media accounts indicate that 21 employees of The Bangladesh Times, including journalists and support staff, were taken from their office by Army personnel. The Daily Star reported that the publication’s Mobile Journalism Editor-in-Chief, Sabbir Ahmed, confirmed the incident. All individuals were later released.
Before the detention, Ahmed reportedly received a WhatsApp call from someone identifying himself as an Army member. The caller raised objections to a video published by the outlet, describing it as “problematic.” The video featured a participant at a recent protest criticising the military.
An Army officer, identified by local media as Major Fahad, told reporters that the individuals were brought to a military camp for what he described as a discussion. He characterised the matter as minor and not serious.
In a social media post following the incident, Ahmed described the situation as one of the most challenging periods for independent journalism under the current interim administration. He said the targeting of a media office was unexpected and concerning.
Police Action During Protest Coverage
In a separate development, Centrist TV Outlet shared footage that it said showed police using batons against journalists covering a protest organised by Inquilab Moncho in Dhaka. The demonstration was dispersed by law enforcement using batons and tear gas, according to media reports.
Several news organisations stated that more than 50 people were injured during the police action. It remains unclear how many of those injured were members of the press.
These incidents have added to broader concerns about the environment in which the upcoming Bangladesh elections are being conducted. Media freedom and the safety of journalists are often regarded as key indicators of a healthy democratic process, particularly during election periods.
UN Technical Support but No Election Observers
The United Nations has clarified that it will not deploy election observers to Bangladesh without a formal mandate from either the Security Council or the General Assembly. However, Dujarric said the UN office in Bangladesh has been working with the government to provide technical assistance.
This support, he explained, aims to help facilitate broad participation and ensure the electoral process runs smoothly. The UN’s involvement remains advisory in nature.
As Bangladesh approaches polling day, international attention continues to focus on whether the elections will proceed in a manner that upholds democratic standards and safeguards fundamental freedoms.