NEW DELHI, May 6: The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), a New Delhi-based watchdog, has renewed its allegations against Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Mohammed Yunus, accusing it of orchestrating a widespread crackdown on journalists. According to RRAG, 640 journalists were targeted between August 2024 and March 2025—a figure the group says is backed by verified sources.
RRAG also launched a scathing critique of the Chief Advisor’s fact-checking unit, labelling it a “disinformation lab” designed to whitewash government abuses rather than verify facts.
The Chief Advisor’s Press Wing promptly dismissed RRAG’s report, calling it “a wildly misleading piece of disinformation.” In response, RRAG director Suhas Chakma defended the figures, stating they were compiled from credible sources including Dhaka-based Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) and major 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,” said Chakma. “The denial from the Press Wing is nothing but Goebbels-speak.”
Providing a breakdown, RRAG stated that 182 journalists faced criminal cases, 206 were victims of violence or intimidation, 85 were summoned by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), and 266 cases of criminal prosecution were independently documented.
Chakma argued that the interim nature of the government does not absolve it of responsibility. “Whether interim or elected, a government is accountable for human rights violations within its jurisdiction. Issuing BFIU summons to journalists clearly constitutes state targeting.”
Addressing separate allegations regarding its reporting on the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) unrest, RRAG defended its claim of a higher death toll. “Nine unclaimed bodies were documented at Khagrachari Hospital. The interim government promised a formal investigation but has yet to release its findings, nearly seven months later,” Chakma said. “Without publishing its own inquiry, the CA Press Wing has no ground to discredit RRAG’s figures. Release the report first, then speak.”
Chakma also rebutted accusations that RRAG is hostile to fact-checking initiatives. He pointed to internal communication between RRAG and DismisLab—originating from a report RRAG had criticized—that was accessed by the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing. “This clearly shows DismisLab operates as an extension of the CA Press Wing.”
Criticizing Dr. Yunus directly, Chakma said the interim leader had downplayed religiously motivated violence, citing a controversial September 5, 2024, statement. In it, Dr. Yunus reportedly said there was no clear distinction between Awami League supporters and Hindus during the post-Hasina unrest.
“A head of government must rely on verified investigations, not unproven claims,” Chakma said.
Responding to suggestions that RRAG is biased 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.”
