Bangladesh: CFWIJ calls on authorities to drop the baseless charges against journalist Rozina Islam
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August 30, 2021- Rozina Islam, an established journalist for Prothom Alo newspaper, is still under investigation related to the Official Secret Act, a colonial-era law that dates back to 1923. CFWIJ has learned that Rozina cannot pursue investigative pieces due to persistent surveillance since her arrest on May 17. She was released on May 23 after an uproar from press freedom organizations. Despite international outcry, there is no progress in the proceedings of the case against her. The authorities have not returned her accreditation card, mobile phone, or passport. Without her proper credentials, she can no longer enter the secretariat where she used to work. The CFWIJ once again demands law enforcement authorities drop the baseless charges against Rozina, return her personal belongings, and allow her to practice journalism without interference.
Rozina was detained for almost 5 hours in confinement by officials at the Health Ministry Secretariat. Subsequently, the police were called, and Rozina was forcefully taken into custody. She was held under the Official Secret Act for taking pictures of sensitive documents. If the journalist is convicted under the filed charges, she could face imprisonment for up to 14 years.
The CFWIJ has confirmed through its sources that Rozina is facing pressure from the authorities as they have demanded access to her bank account details as well. She is being pushed to remain silent and not write any further investigation stories. In the past, Rozina exposed several corruption stories and irregularities in the health department. The lasting situation has deeply affected the journalist, and now she worries for her nine-year-old daughter, too.
Her arrest was widely condemned by several press freedom organizations, who reprimanded authorities for the brazen harassment against Rozina. While Rozina was released on May 23, the charges against her persist. Rozina has played a significant role during the coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Now, she has been sidelined and cannot pursue her journalistic coverage like before.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands authorities stop harassing Rozina and drop the fabricated charges against her. We also urge the country's health ministry officials to review the matter and the origin of the allegations against her. The CFWIJ stands in solidarity with Rozina and hopes justice will be served.
