Dhaka, Sept 30, 2025: A dedicated Support Desk has been launched to provide legal protection and advisory services for journalists in Bangladesh, with support from UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF).
The desk was inaugurated virtually by Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, at an event held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU). Journalist leaders and legal rights advocates joined the programme.
The initiative, organised by Somosti, aims to assist journalists facing harassing lawsuits or other challenges in pursuing ethical and public-interest reporting. Journalists can seek support through a hotline at +8809617356868. The desk will document cases, connect applicants with legal aid service providers, and refer them to district-level legal services where necessary.
“UNESCO is committed to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists,” said Dr Vize. “Journalists play a vital role in upholding democracy and accountability. This desk will ensure immediate support for them,” She added.
Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, acting president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), said journalists in Bangladesh work under constant risk. “This Support Desk will add a new dimension to their protection and rights. BFUJ will always stand by such initiatives,” he said.
Abu Saleh Akan, president of DRU, noted that the platform will expand access to legal aid across the country. “Through this desk, journalists from even the remotest areas will be able to get necessary assistance. DRU will provide full cooperation to advance this effort,” he said.
Speakers at the event also included Prof Dr Shamim Reza of Dhaka University’s Mass Communication and Journalism Department, senior journalist Shahnaz Munni, MM Badsha, general secretary of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB), and Sekandar Ali Mina, executive director of Safety and Rights Society.
Support Desk members with guests, speakers, and organizers.
Members of the newly formed ten-member Support Desk represent journalist associations and legal aid providers. They include Arfanul Haque Nahid (BFUJ), MM Badsha (CRAB), Shahnaz Begum Poly (National Press Club), Md Arifuzzaman Mamun (DCAB), Shahnaz Sharmeen (BJC), Nadia Sharmeen and Borhan Uddin (DRU), Hasan Zabed (LRF), Nighat Seema (BNWLA), and Sujoy Choudhury (Ain Sheba).
As part of the launch, desk members received orientation from Dr Shamim Reza, Shahnaz Munni, and Rezaul Haque of Somosti.
It was also announced that the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) will extend cooperation to provide legal support through the platform.