The Media Sector in Bangladesh has grown considerably over the last 15 years. Presently, 44 television channels, 28 FM radios, 32 community radios, 1187 daily newspapers, and more than 100 online news portals are active. Most of the Journalists depend on the Internet and digital communications for research, interaction and news distribution. So it was observed that journalists especially women journalists need training on physical and professional safety.

Journalists’ safety and impunity: According to an article report 2014 on Freedom of Expression in Bangladesh, recorded an alarming 106% increase from 2013 in harassment figures against journalists -with a single conviction. This trend of violence has become increasingly deadly. In 2015, four bloggers were gruesomely murdered within six months, this wave of violence and lack of adequate official response has put Bangladesh to 12th position out of 14 ranked by Committee to Protect Journalists Global Impunity. The report condemning Bangladesh’s position in its index identifies spotlight countries like Bangladesh where they said ‘killers go free’.

Compounding this increasingly hostile operational environment is a sector influenced by corporate ownership and political allegiances. This has resulted in increasing self-censored at the individual journalist and editorial levels. At the same time, digital threats are increasing too, with journalists using technology without basic safeguards.

Despite these Challenges, Bangladeshi Media and civil society have demonstrated, through coalition building and advocacy around the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2009, that the government can successfully be engaged on issues related to freedom of speech and information. And, by adopting the array of available cutting edge digital and physical security tools and approaches, professional journalists and bloggers can be empowered to prevent and mitigate threats, giving them space and confidence, they need to work with.

https://bnnrc.net/digital-safety-and-security-for-the-journalists-in-bangladesh/

• Bangladesh

The project is possible to replicate for all journalists across the country and world and the training will contribute to safety and security of journalists all over the world

The ability of the journalists is enhanced through the training thus they can take the initiative to cope with the practice and respective media house will adopt the concept through capacity building of the journalist

Digital Safety and Security for the Journalists in Bangladesh is relevance with to SDGs 16 and WSIS action line c4 in line with the promotion of WSIS values in the journalists community.