Published: 03 May 2026
Public trust in media is fundamental to democratic governance, enabling citizens to access reliable information, engage in informed public debate, and hold power to account. As emphasized by UNESCO, independent, pluralistic, and professional media are essential to safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring access to information. However, UNESCO’s World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development points to a global decline in media independence and rising self-censorship, particularly in politically sensitive contexts such as elections and democratic transitions.
In Bangladesh, these challenges are particularly pronounced as the country navigates an evolving political and reform landscape. A recent media assessment by UNESCO and UNDP highlights that legal constraints, political pressures, and structural imbalances within the media sector continue to limit the full exercise of press freedom. These dynamics have direct implications for the ability of journalists to report independently on issues of public interest, including governance, accountability, and electoral processes, ultimately affecting public trust in both media and democratic institutions.
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