Survey Reveals Greater Freedom of Expression and Media Under Interim Government
A survey conducted by Voice of America Bangla has revealed that 60.4% of respondents believe freedom of expression has improved under the interim government compared to the previous Awami League administration. Additionally, 61.2% stated that the media enjoys greater freedom during the interim period than under the preceding government.
The survey, conducted between October 13 and 27, sampled 1,000 individuals aged 18 and above across eight divisions in Bangladesh.
Freedom of Expression
When asked about freedom of expression, 60.4% of respondents said they feel freer under the interim government compared to the Awami League’s tenure. Meanwhile, 25.2% found no significant difference, and 14.2% felt they had less freedom under the interim administration. A negligible 0.2% refrained from commenting.
Notably, 64.3% of men and 56.5% of women reported enjoying greater freedom of expression under the interim government. Among younger respondents aged 18 to 34, 57.1% agreed, while 63.8% of those aged 35 and older shared the same view. Urban respondents (66.3%) were more likely to report increased freedom than their rural counterparts (58.4%).
Media Freedom
Regarding media independence, 61.2% of participants believed the press enjoys more freedom under the interim government. However, 18.5% felt media freedom remained unchanged, and 13.3% reported less freedom. Another 6.8% were unsure, and 0.2% chose not to comment.
Urban respondents (73.8%) were more inclined to see improved media freedom compared to rural respondents (57.1%). Among younger participants, 65.7% observed greater media independence, while 56.5% of older respondents held the same opinion. A majority of men (68.2%) and women (54.2%) also agreed with this sentiment.
Expert Perspectives and Legal Developments
Experts attribute the improvement in media indicators to several factors, including the interim government’s repeal of the controversial Cyber Security Act, which replaced the Digital Security Act. Critics, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), had labeled the earlier law as one of the most draconian against journalism, enabling warrantless arrests and violating journalistic confidentiality.
The interim government has taken significant steps, such as withdrawing cases filed under the repealed act and releasing detained journalists. On November 17, it established the "Media Reform Commission" to address systemic issues and foster greater press freedom.
Challenges and International Responses
Despite these advancements, concerns persist. On September 5 and 8, media outlets associated with the previous government faced attacks for alleged partisan reporting. Some journalists affiliated with the Awami League were charged with criminal cases, drawing criticism from organizations like RSF and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
In a November 21 statement, RSF welcomed the interim government's reforms but urged further structural changes to safeguard press freedom.
Government's Commitment to Media Freedom
In his September 11 address, interim government head Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring freedom of expression and called for constructive criticism. On November 20, he assured that all cases involving journalists would be reviewed to prevent misuse of outdated laws.
As of November 26, Information Ministry Adviser Nahid Islam acknowledged some media outlets’ role in spreading misinformation but assured vigilance to address such issues responsibly.
The interim government's initiatives have received cautious optimism from domestic and international observers, signaling a potential shift towards greater transparency and accountability in Bangladesh's media landscape.
