Joint Statement by 102 Journalists

The biased and non-transparent judicial process of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) poses a serious threat to the rule of law in Bangladesh. 

We, 102 journalists working across various media outlets at home and abroad, express our profound concern regarding the ongoing judicial proceedings and today’s verdict delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh.

In recent weeks, the environment surrounding the ICT has raised grave questions about the independence of the judiciary. Statements from different actors, inconsistencies in judicial proceedings, lack of transparency, and clear indications of political influence have collectively undermined public confidence in the neutrality of the trial. When the judiciary is unable to function independently, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law come under severe threat. 

The verdict against Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has generated widespread debate both domestically and internationally. Reports of unusual pressure on the court, one-sided presentation of information, the denial of the accused’s right to appoint legal counsel, and the government’s decision to appoint a lawyer widely perceived as partisan—presented as her defense counsel—appeared deeply troubling and even absurd to the nation. Allegations of mob intimidation and violence against defense lawyers during the proceedings have further heightened our concern. 

We firmly believe: 

Whether the accused is a political leader or an ordinary citizen, 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. 

The primary responsibility of the media is to uphold truth, safeguard democracy, and stand in defense of judicial independence. Therefore, we assert unequivocally that this orchestrated, influenced, and retaliatory verdict—designed to fulfill political vengeance—has profoundly damaged public trust in the country’s justice system.
 

We Demand:

1. Immediate annulment of this verdict and the recommencement of all judicial proceedings in a fully transparent and impartial manner. 
2. A judiciary free from any political or administrative pressure.
3. Equal opportunity for all parties to appoint their own legal counsel and present arguments and evidence fairly. 
4. That any verdict must be rooted solely in law, truth, and credible evidence—not predetermined influence or external pressure.

We stand united in our commitment to protect democracy, independent journalism, and the rule of law. Justice is the foundation of the state—without it, the nation inevitably moves toward a perilous future.

Signatories 

Journalists working in print, electronic, and online media at home and abroad:

1. Syed Badrul Ahsan, Senior Journalist
2. Farida Yasmin, Former President, National Press Club
3. Manzurul Islam, Senior Journalist
4. Shaban Mahmud, Former General Secretary, BFUJ—Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists
5. Abu Zafar Surjo, Former President, Dhaka Union of Journalists
6. Sohel Haider Chowdhury, President, Dhaka Union of Journalists
7. Md. Ashraf Ali, Joint General Secretary, National Press Club
8. Akhtar Hossain, General Secretary, Dhaka Union of Journalists
9. Pranab Sarkar, President, Agartala Press Club & Member, National Press Club of India
10. Syed Borhan Kabir, Editor-in-Chief, Bangla Insider
11. M.G. Kibria Chowdhury, Editor, Daily National Economy
12. Nazrul Kabir, Former Vice President, Dhaka Reporters Unity
13. Mohiuddin Sarker, Former Editor, Dhakapost.com & Jagonews24.com
14. Riaz Haider Chowdhury, President, Chittagong Union of Journalists
15. Saiduzzaman Samrat, President, Khulna Union of Journalists
16. Fazlul Bari, Journalist (Australia)
17. Masuda Bhatti, Senior Journalist
18. Jannatul Ferdous Chowdhury, Office Secretary, Dhaka Union of Journalists
19. Saifullah Mahmud Dulal, Journalist (Canada)
20. Khondkar Ismail, Journalist (Canada)
21. Rashedul Islam Biplob, President, Kushtia Union of Journalists
22. J.M. Rouf, President, Bogura Union of Journalists
23. Khairul Alam, Former Joint General Secretary, Dhaka Union of Journalists
24. Sheikh Jamal, Former Organizing Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity
25. Taimur Faruq Tushar, Editor, BengalNews24.com
26. Shamima Doula, Senior Journalist
27. Manik Lal Ghosh, Former Vice President, Dhaka Union of Journalists
28. Md. Shafiul Haque, Former President, Bangladesh Journalists Association
29. Masud Karzon, Senior Journalist
30. Zakir Hossain Emon, Former President, Dhaka Sub-editors Council
31. Ashraful Islam, Former President & Former Treasurer, Dhaka Union of Journalists
32. Gopal Banik (Neel), Executive Editor, News Vanguard India
33. Ikhtiar Uddin, Senior Journalist
34. Debashish Roy, Former Planning Editor, Ekushey TV
35. Golam Muztaba Dhrubo, Organizing Secretary, Dhaka Union of Journalists
36. Sumi Khan, Former Women Affairs Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity
37. Shafiqul Alam Milon, Organizing Secretary, Bangladesh Film Journalists Association
38. Rezaul Karim Reza, Former Sports & Cultural Secretary, Dhaka Union of Journalists
39. Raju Hamid, Former Publicity & Publication Secretary, Dhaka Union of Journalists
40. Shahidul Haque Jibon, General Secretary, Television Camera Journalist Association
41. Shamima Akhter, Former President, Law Reporters Forum
42. Sajeda Haque, Executive Member, Dhaka Union of Journalists
43. Sanjoy Dey, Senior Journalist
44. Rafiqul Islam Pintu, Senior Journalist, The Asian Age
45. Md. Ragebul Reza, Senior Journalist
46. Rafiqul Islam Sujon, Senior Journalist
47. A.Z.M. Sajjad Hossain Sobuj, Senior Journalist
48. Prodip Chowdhury, Shokal Shondha
49. Jharna Moni, Former Women Affairs Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity
50. A.K.M. Obaidur Rahman, Former General Secretary, Dhaka Subeditors Council
51. Falguni Dutta, Senior Journalist, Ekushey TV
52. Warechunnabi Khondkar, Senior Journalist, GTV
53. Md. Shahid Rana, Organizing Secretary, Dhaka Sub-editors Council
54. Israfil Shahin, Senior Television Producer & General Secretary, Television Producers Association (TPA)
55. Toufiq Maruf, Senior Journalist
56. Shafique Babu, Senior Journalist
57. Dastagir Jahangir, Journalist (USA)
58. Sultana Rahman, Journalist (USA)
59. Fakir Ilias, Journalist (USA)
60. Sharif Shahab Uddin, Former Editor, Bangladesh Post
61. Pinaki Talukder, Senior Journalist (USA)
62. Mahe Alam James, Former General Secretary, TV Camera Journalists Association (TPA)
63. Sanjid Ahmed, Senior Journalist (Canada)
64. Shahnaz Ruma, Senior Journalist (Canada)
65. Yasmin Rimu, Senior Journalist (Canada)
66. Apel Mahmud, TBN24
67. Mainul Islam, Senior Journalist
68. Mohammad Shamim, Journalist (New York)
69. Ruhul Amin Tuhin, Senior Journalist
70. F.M. Mushfiqur Rahman, Senior Journalist
71. Pranab Barua Arnav, Executive Member, BFUJ—Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists
72. Ramzan Ali, Senior Journalist
73. Zubair Chowdhury, Former Welfare Secretary, Dhaka Union of Journalists
74. Pradip Kumar Roy, Editor, OTN Bangla (Australia)
75. Kazi Runa, Senior Journalist
76. Ajahar Mahmud, Senior Journalist
77. Aminul Islam Munna, Senior Journalist
78. Rahima Akter, Senior Journalist
79. Nurul Haque Shipu, Special Correspondent, Runner TV (UK)
80. Siddiqur Rahman, Former General Secretary, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum
81. Md. Sajidur Rahman, President, Reporters Unity UK
82. Shamir Mahmud, Journalist (UK) & Former General Secretary, Sylhet District Press Club
83. Mahbub Smarak, Senior Journalist
84. Sabbir Khan, Journalist (Sweden)
85. Debesh Barua, Journalist (France)
86. Kamrul I. Russell, Journalist (UK)
87. Helal Uddin, Former President, Sirajganj Press Club
88. Imranul Azim Chowdhury, Senior Journalist
89. Hamid Mohammad Jasim, Member Secretary, Swadhinota Sangbadik Parishad
90. Sajeda Parveen Saju, Former Vice President, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum
91. Harlal Roy Sagar, Former Finance Secretary, Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB)
92. Ataur Rahman, President, Gazipur Union of Journalists
93. Halima Akter, Former Executive Member, Dhaka Union of Journalists
94. Jahangir Khan Babu, Bureau Chief, Newslive Bangla Television (India)
95. Professor Apu Alam, Editor & Publisher, Probash-e Bangla (France)
96. Debesh Barua, President, France Bangla Press Club
97. Sohel Majumdar Shipon, Editor & Publisher, Deshpriyo News (Italy)
98. Khaled Golam Kibria, Advisory Editor, Deshpriyo News (France)
99. Comrade Khondkar, Former General Secretary, Bangladesh Press Club (Italy)
100. Salah Uddin, Editor, Spain Bangla News24
101. Soheli Chowdhury, Treasurer, Dhaka Union of Journalists
102. ABM Zakirul Haque Titon, Editor, Daily Khoborwala 

Message Sent by

Taimur Faruq Tushar 
Senior Journalist