As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches in early 2026, the country moves towards a critical turning point in its history. Past elections have been marked by violent clashes, the suppression of dissent, and attacks on the press. With multiple power centres in play, the risk of electoral violence is perceived to be even higher. For journalists, who often serve as the eyes and ears of the public during such fraught times, this volatility signals unprecedented risks, both online and offline.
Digitally Right conducted the study High Risks, Low Preparedness: Journalist Safety in the 2026 Elections in partnership with Fojo Media Institute and with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) in response to growing concern that journalists in Bangladesh are entering an exceptionally tense election period without the safety systems they require.
Drawing on surveys with 201 journalists and in-depth interviews conducted across 19 districts, the study seeks to provide an evidence-based assessment of journalist safety and preparedness surrounding the upcoming election. It documents the physical and digital threats facing journalists and identifies the most serious gaps in their preparedness, protection, and access to support.
The findings are intended to support targeted interventions by media organisations, press-freedom groups, civil-society actors, and policymakers. By identifying practical weaknesses in existing protection systems, the research aims to contribute to stronger safeguards for journalists and to uphold the public’s right to timely, independent, and accurate information during this critical political juncture.
Key takeaways:
- Nearly 89% believe that reporters are likely to face assault or beatings, and 76% foresee widespread verbal harassment, including threats or abuse. Over 70% expect that physical intimidation will be used to pressure the press, while 62% believe obstruction of movement during news gathering.
- Female participants consistently anticipate higher levels of danger than their male counterparts, and they face unique gender-specific threats. For example, half of the women respondents said they expect to face sexual harassment, whereas this concern was reported by only about one in ten men.
- Journalists working outside the capital city feel far more exposed to physical dangers than those based in Dhaka. Those affiliated with local media outlets in the districts reported anticipating almost every type of physical threat at higher rates. Roughly 75% of journalists expect to be confronted with false or misleading information campaigns aimed at undermining their reporting.
- More than 90% of respondents identified political party figures – from local activists to influential leaders – as the group most likely to perpetrate physical attacks on the press.
- Overall, reporters are relying heavily on their own measures to stay safe, while newsrooms are failing to offer robust safety nets. Click here to read the full report for a deeper look at the findings. Later, on 6 December 2025, Digitally Right brought together 16 senior editors and newsroom managers for a roundtable discussion on the findings of the study. The stark reality outlined in the report resonated strongly with the roundtable participants, who validated the findings through their own experiences. Participants noted that the research reinforced their perceptions of the deteriorating safety environment for journalists. Read more about the roundtable discussion here.