The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) congratulates Netra News for receiving the esteemed 2025 Shorenstein Journalism Award. Presented by Stanford University’s Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC), the award honors outstanding journalism in the Asia-Pacific region that contributes meaningfully to press freedom and democratic progress.
Netra News received the award for its fearless reporting and staunch defense of press freedom in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most challenging environments for journalism.
“Netra News is not just reporting the news—it’s changing the stakes for press freedom in one of the toughest places to do this work,” said Damon Wilson, President and CEO of NED. “This recognition also affirms NED’s approach: providing early, flexible support to courageous partners who are often the first to call out injustice and the last to give up in the fight for freedom.”
Founded by investigative reporter Tasneem Khalil in 2019, Netra News has been a beacon of independent journalism, exposing high-level corruption and human rights abuses despite severe repression. With NED as its first funder, Netra News consistently defied the previous government’s attempts to silence the press and restrict public access to information.
During the 2024 student-led protests, as the government imposed a nationwide internet blackout, Netra News became a trusted source of reliable, on-the-ground updates—ensuring Bangladeshi citizens and the international community remained informed at a critical moment.
Following the collapse of Sheik Hasina’s government, Netra News established a bureau in Dhaka, marking a new era for free expression in Bangladesh. With a talented team, deep local networks, and a commitment to truth and accountability, they have emerged as a leading voice in the transition toward democracy.
“Operating amid severe risks, Netra News has become a vital force for speaking truth to power and defending the rule of law in Bangladesh,” said APARC’s director, Gi-Wook Shin, in their announcement. “Under Tasneem Khalil’s leadership, its investigations have pushed the boundaries of accountability journalism and innovative storytelling.”
