As the country moves towards the much-anticipated 2026 general election—promised to be an exemplary one by the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus—early signs of political intolerance and toxicity have become increasingly alarming. Amid this volatility, journalists are raising concerns about a hostile reporting environment, ranging from online harassment to physical threats, even at this early stage of election coverage. A new study, "High Risks, Low Preparedness: Journalist Safety in 2026 Elections," reveals that an overwhelming 89 percent of journalists expect to face physical assault while covering the polls. Based on a survey of 201 journalists across 19 districts, the research paints a picture of a deeply polarised and volatile landscape ahead. It shows that  89 percent of journalists anticipate high levels of physical violence ; 76 percent expect verbal harassment, while 71 percent fear intimidation. The outlook appears even more troubling for women journ...