The most prominent media and press freedom events in Bangladesh in 2023 were anchored by high-profile government actions against critical and opposition-aligned outlets, as well as the murder of local journalists.

Here are the top 5 media news stories from Bangladesh in 2023:

1. The Shutdown of Dainik Dinkal

The News: The Dhaka district administration and the Bangladesh Press Council canceled the declaration and halted the publication of Dainik Dinkal, the main newspaper affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), citing violations of the Printing Presses and Publications Act.

Impact: The move prompted widespread criticism from international watchdogs and press freedom organizations.

2. Arrest of Prothom Alo Journalist under the Digital Security Act (DSA)

The News: Samsuzzaman Shams, a correspondent for Prothom Alo, was picked up in the middle of the night by law enforcement after writing an article on rising food prices.

Impact: The arrest and the subsequent filing of lawsuits against Prothom Alo's editor, Matiur Rahman, drew international outrage regarding the use of the Digital Security Act to suppress critical reporting.

3. Escalating Violence Against Journalists

The News: The year began with the brutal killing of Ashikul Islam, a 27-year-old correspondent for the Daily Monitor in Brahmanbaria, who was hacked to death in January.

Impact: The event underscored Bangladesh’s difficult environment for regional reporters covering local corruption.

4. Transition from the Digital Security Act to the Cyber Security Act

The News: In response to immense domestic and international pressure and mounting criticism over media muzzling, the government announced the repeal of the DSA, replacing it with the Cyber Security Act (CSA).

Impact: Human rights and media watchdogs criticized the new law for retaining elements that still leave journalists unprotected.

5. Continued Trial of Rozina Islam

The News: The legal proceedings against investigative journalist Rozina Islam, initially arrested under the Official Secrets Act, dragged on throughout 2023 with the court ordering further investigations.

Impact: The case remained a focal point for international media watchdogs tracking the suppression of investigative journalism.