Guwahati, May 6: The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has reaffirmed its claim that 640 journalists were targeted by Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Mohammed Yunus, from August 2024 to March 2025. The group denounced the Chief Advisor’s fact-checking unit as a “disinformation lab,” accusing it of whitewashing government abuses.
The Chief Advisor’s Press Wing dismissed RRAG’s report as “a wildly misleading piece of disinformation.” However, RRAG director Suhas Chakma hit back, asserting the figure of 640 journalists was drawn from multiple verified sources, including the Dhaka-based Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) and Bangladeshi media outlets.
“These figures are based on published statistical data by the MSF and verified media reports. The Daily Star reported that 266 journalists have faced criminal cases since August 5, 2024. Our count is conservative,” Chakma said.
“The denial from the Press Wing is nothing but Goebbels-speak.”
RRAG outlined the basis of its figure – 182 journalists were subjected to criminal cases, 206 journalists experienced violence or intimidation, 85 journalists were summoned by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and 266 cases of criminal prosecution were independently reported.
Chakma added that attempts to separate the Interim Government from responsibility are legally and morally flawed: “Whether interim or elected, a government is accountable for human rights violations within its jurisdiction. Issuing BFIU summons to journalists clearly constitutes state targeting.”
RRAG also responded to allegations that it exaggerated the death toll during CHT unrest. Chakma stated that nine unclaimed bodies were documented at Khagrachari Hospital. The interim government promised a formal investigation but has not released any findings until nearly seven months later.
“Without publishing its own inquiry, the CA Press Wing has no ground to discredit RRAG’s figures. Release the report first, then speak.”
Chakma rejected claims that RRAG undermines fact-checkers. He pointed to internal correspondence with DismisLab—originating from a report RRAG criticized—being accessed by the CA Press Wing.
“This clearly shows DismisLab operates as an extension of the CA Press Wing.”
Chakma criticized Dr Yunus for downplaying religiously motivated violence, citing his statement from September 5, 2024, where he claimed there was no clear distinction between Awami League supporters and Hindus in the post-Hasina attacks.
“A head of government must rely on verified investigations, not unproven claims.”
Responding to accusations of bias toward the Awami League, Chakma said: “Dr Yunus is hiding behind Sheikh Hasina’s shadow. He must take responsibility for ongoing abuses, especially against the media. Being a Nobel laureate doesn’t excuse authoritarian behaviour.”
