Bangladesh’s cyber security agency has urged media outlets to stop airing statements by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her death sentence, raising global concerns over press freedom, judicial transparency and political influence in the high-profile case.
In a move that has sparked intense international debate, Bangladesh’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) on Tuesday urged all media outlets in the country to refrain from broadcasting or publishing any statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The directive, reported by local media, has raised concerns over press freedom, judicial transparency and the political situation in the South Asian nation.
The NCSA’s advisory comes a day after the ICT pronounced its controversial verdict, finding Sheikh Hasina guilty of “crimes against humanity” linked to the July 2024 demonstrations. The tribunal also delivered sentences against two of her top aides—former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also received a death sentence, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who, after turning state witness, was given five years’ imprisonment.
According to the NCSA, it is “deeply concerned” that some media organisations are continuing to air statements from the former Prime Minister, whom the agency described as a “convicted fugitive.” It further claimed that Hasina’s comments “contain directives that might incite violence, disorder, and criminal activities,” cautioning news outlets to avoid material that could destabilise public order.
While the agency insisted that it “respects freedom of the press” and “freedom of expression,” it stressed that media houses must “remain mindful of their legal responsibilities” and avoid disseminating statements from individuals convicted by the ICT. Critics, however, argue that the directive signals yet another attempt by the interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, to suppress political opposition and dismantle the influence of the Awami League and its long-time leader, Sheikh Hasina.
Political observers note that this advisory adds to concerns that the interim government is using state institutions to weaken its rivals and consolidate power. Hasina’s supporters and international human rights advocates have long questioned the neutrality of the ICT, which has been accused repeatedly of political motivations.
These concerns intensified on Monday, when a collective of 102 journalists from various national and international media organisations issued a strong statement denouncing the verdict. The journalists warned that the “biased and non-transparent judicial process” represents a severe threat to Bangladesh’s democratic framework, judicial independence and rule of law.
The joint statement, which was shared publicly by the Awami League on its social media platforms, expressed “profound concern regarding the ongoing judicial proceedings” and outlined what the signatories described as consistent irregularities in the ICT’s handling of the case. Among the concerns raised were “statements from different actors, inconsistencies in judicial proceedings, lack of transparency, and clear indications of political influence,” developments that have, according to the group, eroded public confidence in the tribunal’s neutrality.
“In recent weeks, the environment surrounding the ICT has raised grave questions about the independence of the judiciary,” the journalists wrote. “When the judiciary is unable to function independently, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law come under severe threat.”
The signatories demanded the “immediate annulment of the verdict” and the reopening of all proceedings under a fully transparent, impartial and internationally monitored judicial framework. They underscored that justice must not only be delivered but be seen to be delivered, irrespective of political identity or public stature.
“Whether the accused is a political leader or an ordinary citizen,” the statement continued, “justice must be administered transparently, impartially, and without coercion. Due process and neutrality are fundamental prerequisites of any fair trial—elements that were gravely absent in this case.”
As tensions escalate, the NCSA’s advisory is likely to further polarise public opinion. Media watchdogs caution that restricting news coverage of political figures—particularly one as influential as Sheikh Hasina—poses a direct challenge to press freedom. Meanwhile, supporters of the interim government argue that the measure is necessary to prevent unrest, given the volatile environment following the highly contentious verdict.
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The coming days are expected to see heightened political scrutiny, international responses, and increased pressure on the Bangladeshi government to ensure transparency, accountability and respect for democratic norms. For now, the directive has intensified both domestic and global anxieties about the future of judicial independence and political freedoms in Bangladesh.
