Bangladesh: CFWIJ Calls For End To Investigative Journalist Rozina Islam’s Legal Ordeal

Location: Bangladesh, Dhaka
Date: November 16, 2021

Rozina Islam, an established journalist for Prothom Alo newspaper, is still under investigation for charges under the Official Secret Act, a colonial-era law that dates back to 1923. On Tuesday, a Dhaka court, due to hear Rozina’s review petition, seeking the return of her passport, two mobile phones and press accreditation card - seized in connection with the fabricated case against her, transferred her plea to another court. The judge has scheduled the next hearing of her plea on Dec. 12, 2021, which was previously rejected by the court. 

The investigative journalist known for uncovering corruption in the government was in pre-trial detention earlier in May, before being released on bail following the international outcry on her arrest. Her prolonged legal ordeal on charges prompted by her reporting on graft in the country’s health department and the mismanagement of the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The Coalition For Women In Journalism has been monitoring Rozina’s case vigilantly. We urge the Bangladesh authorities to immediately drop all bogus charges against the veteran journalist. We reiterate that journalism is not a crime. The country must enable a conducive environment for the press to function independently without the fear of government retaliation. 

On Tuesday, November 16, the Metropolitan Sessions Judge KM Imrul Kayes transferred further hearing of Rozina’s plea to another additional metropolitan session judge. The CFWIJ sees this as another delay tactic to derail the process of justice. The court issued a new date for the next hearing. 

Speaking to CFWIJ, Rozina's counsel Prashanta Karmakar confirmed that no date was fixed for the next hearing. This will further delay the process, said the counsel, citing fears of a prolonged legal process for the journalist’s request apart from the added distress of the charges against her. Later in the day, date for the next court hearing was shared and it's scheduled on Dec. 12, 2021. 

Rozina was detained for almost five hours by officials at the Health Ministry Secretariat before the police were called and she was forcefully taken into custody. She was held under the Official Secret Act for taking pictures of allegedly sensitive documents. Charged with theft and espionage, the journalist faces up to 14 years in prison. 

The CFWIJ has also confirmed through its sources that Rozina is facing pressure from the authorities and her bank account details have been sought 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, who worries for the safety of her nine-year-old daughter as well as her own as the authorities continue to employ intimidation tactics against her.

Following her arrest on May 17, 2021, and subsequent release on May 23, Rozina has been unable to pursue investigative pieces as she remains under constant surveillance of the authroities. Despite international outcry, there has been no significant progress in the case against her. The authorities have not returned her accreditation card, mobile phones or her passport and without proper credentials, she is unable to 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 Islam’s arrest was widely condemned by several press freedom organizations, who reproached the authorities for their brazen harassment of the journalist. Yet, the Bangladeshi authorities have done little to ensure relief for Rozina. Although she was allowed bail, her hands remain tied as the authorities hold her credentials and passport. Such blatant attacks on the freedom of the press and the right to information cannot be tolerated. The Coalition For Women In Journalism calls for an end to the ordeal Rozina has been put through for simply doing her job. We urge Bangladesh to ensure all fabricated charges against Rozina are dropped and demand an inquiry into the origins of the charges against her. The CFWIJ stands in solidarity with Rozina and hopes that justice will be served.

The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.

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