Unveiling the unseen pressures plaguing journalism, as evidenced by a reporter's demise

In a tragic turn of events, Bibhuranjan Sarkar, a veteran journalist and senior assistant editor at the Bangla daily Ajker Patrika, was found dead in the Meghna River in Char Balaki area of Munshiganj's Gazaria on 22 August. Sarkar's death serves as a reminder of the precarious situations and risks faced by journalists, with their personal and professional lives often fraught with stress and overlooked.

Sarkar, 71, had emailed an article titled "Khola Chithi" or "Open Letter" to bdnews24.com before his death, adding a footnote that suggested it might be his last writing. The article, widely circulated on social media, detailed Sarkar's experiences in journalism, including the risks and dangers he faced.

Sarkar wrote about his commitment to truth and his ethical integrity, and about the challenges of journalism today, including those driven by self-interest, an urge to elevate social status, or secure financial gain. His final words in his letter were "Let sorrow be the final companion of my life."

Journalists in society are often financially struggling, with many borrowing money to pay for their children's school fees. Reporters Without Borders (Reporter ohne Grenzen) classified Bangladesh as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in their 2024 annual report. Wages in the media industry are often determined by proximity to the boss, not skill, responsibility, or workload. Only a handful of leading Bangla and English daily newspapers are implementing wage boards for their journalists, while most seasonal and online outlets do not pay their journalists, and many media houses resort to shenanigans to avoid paying wages.

Sarkar's letter highlighted the issue of safety for journalists in Bangladesh, which was identified as one of the riskiest professions in the country in an annual report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published in 2024. Journalists face pressure from state agencies and are subjected to rigorous scrutiny by readers, even when maintaining objectivity.

The news of Sarkar's death was a shock to the journalist community in Bangladesh, with his letter being seen as a bombshell that laid bare the brutal truth of journalism in the country. The afflictions of journalists are often overlooked, with society, the state, and all other stakeholders turning a blind eye to their suffering.

Sarkar also wrote about his financial struggles, stating that he lived on debt despite a long career in journalism. Journalists working outside Dhaka are paid a pittance, sometimes irregularly or not at all, forcing them to take up other professions or resort to illicit practices.

Sarkar's death serves as a call to action for the media industry and the government to address the issues faced by journalists in Bangladesh, ensuring their safety and fair compensation for their hard work.