In journalism, pressure does not only come from the state or political authorities. Many journalists also experience surveillance and restrictions from within their own families and workplaces. Social media, which should be a platform for free expression, is increasingly becoming a space of monitoring and self-censorship. A journalist from a national daily shared his experience with Bangladesh Media Monitor on the condition of anonymity, citing personal and institutional safety concerns.
He explained that in his current newsroom, where he has been working for the past six months, he has not faced direct restrictions. However, in almost all of his previous workplaces, political or opinion-based posts on social media were strongly discouraged. Sometimes editors or management framed it as a matter of ‘decency’ or ‘professional courtesy,’ while at other times they directly mentioned political or government surveillance. In most cases, posts critical of influential political, social, or business figures were strictly off-limits. Although such restrictions have somewhat reduced since the fall of the previous government, they have not disappeared entirely.
According to his Experience, criticizing one’s own workplace has always been sensitive. Posts about organizational failures or internal issues often led to silent disapproval from colleagues or management. This unspoken form of control still shapes how journalists manage their online presence.
The journalist further added that not only institutions but also family members and relatives closely monitor his social media activity. Many of them, often out of concern for his safety, advise him not to write political posts or share critical views. This creates additional pressure and forces him to think twice before publishing anything online. Over time, self-censorship has become a habit. While he once feared harassment by ruling party activists, today he is more concerned about coordinated cyber-attacks launched through fake or bot accounts.
Another important factor he pointed out is the culture of surveillance in well known and popular media houses in the country. These organizations monitor the social media activities of their employees. Since many journalists aspire to work in such places, they often avoid controversial posts or censor themselves in advance, fearing their career prospects may be harmed. Thus, professional opportunities and job security are also becoming tools of indirect control over journalists’ freedom of expression.
Summing up his experience, the journalist said, ‘Self-censorship Has Now Become My Habit. Concerns about personal safety, family pressure, institutional oversight, and future career risks together, they mean that we can no longer speak as freely on social media as we would like to.’