Bangladesh, Aug. 9 -- Kyrgyzstan has recently taken a significant and contentious step in reshaping its media landscape by passing a new media law that grants the government sweeping control over media outlets in the country. Signed into law by President Sadyr Japarov, this legislation has triggered alarm among journalists, human rights advocates, and international watchdogs, who warn that it could severely curtail press freedom and jeopardize the independence of journalism in Kyrgyzstan.

The new media law, which had been under debate for over two years, represents a dramatic shift in how media organizations-including websites and blogs-will operate in Kyrgyzstan. While the presidents administration has framed the legislation as a measur...