Bangladesh: CFWIJ condemns the persistent harassment of Rozina Islam by state authorities

August 12, 2021-  Rozina Islam, a senior correspondent for Daily Prothom Alo, is facing challenges as the state authorities continue to target her. According to the latest reports, the Financial Intelligence Unit has asked all banks to submit Rozina’s account details, even if she is listed as a beneficiary. Through its sources, CFWIJ confirmed that Rozina still does not have her passport, Press Information Department (PID) card, or mobile phone. We demand state authorities immediately return the confiscated belongings to the journalist. CFWIJ believes the state is targeting Rozina for her relentless efforts to expose corruption in the health sector. 

In the latest move, the Daily Prothom Alo journalist is facing yet another attempt of state harassment as the Financial Intelligence Unit authorities have contacted all of the registered banks in the country for her account details. The letter asked the banks to release the transaction details of any account affiliated with Rozina. The letter further demanded banks provide the details of accounts that list Rozina as a beneficiary. This persistent targeting has affected Rozina mentally, and she has not been able to focus on her work. Authorities still have her passport, PID card, and mobile phone.

On May 17, Rozina was detained under the penal code of the colonial-era Official Secret Act. She was arrested at the Health Ministry office after officials accused her of possessing sensitive documents. Rozina was confined for at least five hours and was forcefully taken to the police station. Authorities also shared partial clips of the mistreatment she received.

Several journalist organizations around the world have condemned the state action against Rozina. After several demonstrations were staged demanding her release, the journalist was released on bail on May 23. Rozina was welcomed by friends and colleagues outside the jail. While speaking to her supporters, Rozina showed her conviction as she shared, "I will most certainly continue working as a journalist". She is a prominent journalist who has earned her reputation with her coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Now, after her recent detention, Rozina cannot focus on her work.  She reveals she is unable to forget how she was confined, humiliated, and tortured for hours. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the persistent state harassment of Rozina and demands authorities return her passport and other confiscated belongings. Rozina is an established and accomplished journalist who deserves to work in a safe environment free of such intimidation. We demand that authorities drop the investigation and end the legal harassment against her.