Human rights activists, journalists, and civil society members have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of civic and digital freedoms in Bangladesh, calling for urgent reforms and stronger protections for freedom of expression and digital rights.
The concerns were raised during the third meeting of the Rapid Response Taskforce (RRT), held in Dhaka on Thursday. The event was organized by Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE) in collaboration with The Daily Ittefaq, under the project “Collaborative Actions for Promoting Digital and Civic Space and Combating Gender Disinformation.”
At the meeting, VOICE presented eight documented cases reflecting recent challenges in the civic space, including the harassment of journalists, arbitrary arrests of activists, and the spread of gender-based disinformation. The cases sparked a wide-ranging discussion among taskforce members on current trends, institutional accountability, and the role of media and civil society in upholding democratic values.
“Any violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, regardless of political sensitivity or legal complexity, must be recorded and addressed,” said academic and activist Md Rezaur Rahman Lenin. “Remaining silent allows injustice to become normalized.”
Afroza Shoma, a researcher on gender and media, noted that civic space has become increasingly restricted. “Rights-based organizations need to be clear about their mandates and communication strategies to maintain credibility and sustain impact,” she said.
Participants also highlighted the growing risks faced by media professionals, and stressed the responsibility of employers in ensuring a safe and enabling work environment. They recommended the development of a practical toolkit for civic space advocacy, improved legal support mechanisms, and a more refined national strategy to combat disinformation.
Established in 2024, the RRT is a multi-stakeholder platform comprising journalists, digital rights defenders, academics, gender experts, and civil society leaders. It serves as a watchdog and early response mechanism to monitor and respond to violations of civic freedoms, particularly in relation to freedom of expression, association, and digital rights.
Among the key participants in the meeting were senior journalist Sultan Mahmud, Sharaban Tohura from rights organization Nijera Kori, and indigenous rights advocate Dalia Chakma.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to protect democratic space and foster collaboration in defending civic rights in the country.
