The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Bangladesh government to release four senior journalists held for more than 18 months on murder accusations, citing lack of credible evidence and serious health concerns.
In a letter dated 27 April to Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, CPJ said four journalists — Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Haq Babu, and Shyamal Dutta — remain detained without charge sheets, in cases “closely tied to their reporting and perceived political affiliations.”
The press freedom watchdog also said humanitarian concerns, including Rupa’s confinement in a death‑row cell, Dutta’s stroke shortly after detention, and Babu’s untreated prostate cancer following major surgery.
It also urged the authorities to drop the charges and ensure medical care for the detainees.
“Freedom of expression is protected under Article 39 of Bangladesh’s constitution and under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” it said.
CPJ added resolving the cases would be seen internationally as a demonstration of the reforms pledged by the new government and strengthen goodwill around Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
The letter was signed by Kunāl Majumder, CPJ’s Asia‑Pacific Program Coordinator; and copied to the attorney general, home mminister, and information minister.
