Official Secrets Act
Amnesty: Rozina must not be punished for doing her job
Senior journalist Rozina Islam's arrest and the failure of the Bangladesh authorities to provide concrete evidence pointing to a recognisable criminal offence raise concerns that she is being targeted for her critical reporting, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
In the absence of such evidence, the authorities must release Rozina immediately and she should not be punished for fulfilling her professional duties as a journalist, the human rights organisation also said.
Also read: Will ensure justice for journalist Rozina: Info Minister
Amnesty's South Asia Campaigner Saad Hammadi said: "Rozina Islam has exposed irregularities in Bangladesh's health sector for the past few months during the Covid-19 pandemic and her arrest points to an increasing trend of a wider crackdown on freedom of expression through draconian laws to silence critical or dissenting views."
Prothom Alo Managing Editor Sajjad Sharif told Amnesty that Rozina has produced several investigative reports critical of the public health sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. The newspaper feels that the actions taken against her are a result of the authority's grievance against her.
Also read: DB to investigate case against Rozina
"The prosecution of Rozina under the Official Secrets Act is a brazen attack on the right to freedom of expression and the ability of Bangladeshi society to seek and receive information," Saad said.
"Information about how the government is procuring Covid-19 vaccines is in the public interest and should not be hidden behind national security locks. The way in which the public health sector operates during the pandemic is of critical public interest," he added.
Also read: That's something concerning: UN on Rozina's arrest
On May 17, the authorities held Prothom Alo senior journalist Rozina for five hours within the Health Ministry on the allegations of stealing confidential official documents and espionage.
A deputy secretary of the health ministry accused her of stealing confidential official documents from the ministry under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act 1923 and the Penal Code of Bangladesh.
Will ensure justice for journalist Rozina: Info Minister
Journalist Rozina Islam, arrested under the Official Secrets Act on Monday, will get justice, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Wednesday.
“I’d request journalists to look at the matter rationally. Since a case has been filed, we’re seeing to it that she (Rozina) gets justice. Have faith in the government. The Prime Minister and I are determined and cordial to protect the honour of journalists,” he said at an event of Journalist Welfare Trust at Chattogram Press Club’s Bangabandhu Hall.
The 42-year-old Prothom Alo senior reporter, known for unearthing corruption, was kept detained at a room in the Secretariat for over five hours before being handed over to police.
She allegedly took photos of documents related to government negotiation to buy Covid-19 vaccine from various sources, according to case documents.
Also read: Quader urges journalists to be patient over Rozina issue
On Tuesday, a Dhaka court sent her to prison after rejecting the police's five-day remand plea. She is scheduled to appear before the court on Thursday.
Rozina Islam rejected the allegations saying, "I was, in fact, harassed at the Secretariat."
Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, raised concerns over the journalist’s arrest. “It’s something that’s concerning,” he said in a regular briefing.
Journalists groups in Bangladesh and the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) demanded her release.
Also read: DB to investigate case against Rozina
“We’re deeply alarmed that Bangladesh officials detained a journalist and filed a complaint under a draconian colonial-era law that carries ridiculously harsh penalties,” said Aliya Iftikhar, CPJ’s senior Asia researcher, reports AP.
Minister Mahmud said it is wrong to take away confidential documents.
“Anyone can seek information from the government through the Information Commission but he/she will not get information on a non-disclosure item. Taking such a secret document is wrong,” he said.
The minister said the government would ensure that she gets justice. “If anyone from the Health Ministry was responsible [for the incident], it’ll be unearthed through investigation,” he said.
Also read: That's something concerning: UN on Rozina's arrest
The health minister has explained what had happened with her, Mahmud said.
He asked why she was detained at the Secretariat for five hours? He said the health ministry has formed a committee to investigate the incident. “It’ll see if anyone had harassed her, what was her crime and if anyone from the ministry had committed any crime,” he said.
Quader urges journalists to be patient over Rozina issue
Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday urged journalists to be patient and play a responsible role over Rozina Islam issue.
He came up with the call while addressing a discussion at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in the morning.
Awami League's Relief and Social Welfare Sub-Committee organised the event where Obaidul Quader was virtually connected from his official residence.
Read: DB to investigate case against Rozina
He hoped that the journalist concerned will get justice as a case has been filed and the matter is under trial.
The Awami League general secretary also said action would be taken as per the investigation committee report if there was any injustice against the journalist concerned.
The Awami League general secretary said such a misunderstanding would not have arisen if someone from the ministry had briefed the journalists on the day of the incident.
On Tuesday, a Dhaka court sent Rozina, arrested in a case under the Official Secrets Act, to jail after rejecting the police's demand for her five-day remand.
Read: That's something concerning: UN on Rozina's arrest
She was arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally “collect sensitive government documents and taking photos of them” from the Secretariat on Monday.
The Prothom Alo journalist rejected all the allegations saying, "I was, in fact, harassed at the Secretariat."
DB to investigate case against Rozina
The case filed against Prothom Alo journalist Rozina Islam has been transferred to the Detective Branch of police.
Harunur Rashid, additional deputy commissioner (Ramna zone) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Wednesday said the case was transferred to the DB.
Rozina Islam was handed over to police on Monday night after being held at the Secretariat for over five hours.
Read: That's something concerning: UN on Rozina's arrest
Rozina was arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally “collect sensitive government documents and taking photos of them” from the Secretariat on Monday.
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division at Shahbagh police station.
Later, a Dhaka court on Tuesday sent Rozina, to jail after rejecting the police's demand for her five-day remand.
Rozina Islam was taken to Kashimpur Central Women's Jail on Tuesday afternoon.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formed a three-member probe committee to look into the confinement and later handover to police of journalist Rozina Islam at the Secretariat on Monday.
Earlier in the day, Journalists formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding unconditional release of journalist Rozina Islam and punishment of those involved in harassing her at the Secretariat.
Read:Journalists demand unconditional release of Rozina Islam
Dhaka Reporters Unity, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalist, Barishal Divisional Journalist Association, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum, Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association and other organizations joined the human chain around 11 am.
They also demanded withdrawal of false case filed against Rozina.
Besides, Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) held a protest rally in front of its office demanding the same.
Journalists demand unconditional release of Rozina Islam
Journalists on Wednesday formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding unconditional release of journalist Rozina Islam and punishment of those involved in harassing her at the Secretariat.
Dhaka Reporters Unity, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalist, Barishal Divisional Journalist Association, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum, Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association and other organizations joined the human chain around 11 am.
Read:That's something concerning: UN on Rozina's arrest
They also demanded withdrawal of false case filed against Rozina.
Besides, Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) held a protest rally in front of its office demanding the same.
Rozina, senior journalist of Prothom Alo, was handed over to police on Monday night after being held at the Secretariat for over five hours.
Rozina was arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally “collect sensitive government documents and taking photos of them” from the Secretariat on Monday.
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division at Shahbagh police station.
Read: Journalist Rozina must get justice: Law Minister
Later, a Dhaka court on Tuesday sent Rozina, to jail after rejecting the police's demand for her five-day remand.
Rozina Islam was taken to Kashimpur Central Women's Jail on Tuesday afternoon after a Dhaka court rejected police’s remand plea.
Besides, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formed a three-member probe committee to look into the confinement and later handover to police of journalist Rozina Islam at the Secretariat on Monday.
Prothom Alo journo Rozina sent to jail
A Dhaka court on Tuesday sent Prothom Alo senior journalist Rozina Islam, arrested in a case under the Official Secrets Act, to judicial custody after rejecting the police's demand for her five-day remand.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Jashim passed the order after Inspector Arifur Rahman Sardar, the investigating officer in the case, produced the 42-year scribe in the court this morning and sought her remand for custodial interrogation.
The court also fixed May 20 for hearing Rozina's bail petition put up by her lawyer Prashanto Kumar Karmakar.
Read: Senior journo Rozina produced in court
Earlier in the day, Rozina was produced in the court, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Ramna Division) Sazzadur Rahman said.
Rozina was arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally “collect sensitive government documents and taking photos of them” from the Secretariat on Monday.
The Prothom Alo journalist has rejected all the allegations. "I was, in fact, harassed at the Secretariat," she claimed immediately after her arrest.
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division at Shahbagh police station, said Harun ur Rashid, additional deputy commissioner (Ramna Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Rozina was handed over to police around 9.45pm on Monday after being held at the Secretariat for over five hours.
Maidul Islam Pradhan, senior information officer at the Health Ministry, claimed that she had entered the room of the Private Secretary to the Secretary of Health Services Division between 3pm and 3.30pm “without permission”.
Read:Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina arrested under Official Secrets Act
“She took photos of sensitive documents. Some of those were recovered from her by the staff of the Health Ministry, including the PS, Additional Secretary of the Ministry and police constable Mizanur Rahman,” he claimed.
Health Secretary Lokman Hossain has refused to comment on the matter.
Protest over arrest
Dozens of journalists thronged the police station after Rozina was brought there and staged a protest against her harassment on Monday night.
Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yasmin wrote on her verified Facebook page that Rozina had fallen sick. She also demanded proper treatment of the journalist.
Elias Khan, Secretary of the apex journalist organisation, also condemned the alleged misbehaviour of government employees at the Secretariat with the on-duty journalist.
Read:Journalists boycott Health Ministry’s press briefing
BSRF Boycott
On Tuesday morning, members of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) boycotted the Health Ministry's press briefing in protest against Rozina's arrest.
The BSRF will hold an emergency meeting over the issue, Shamim Ahmed, general secretary of BSRF, said in a release.
Journalists boycott Health Ministry’s press briefing
The members of Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) on Tuesday boycotted a press briefing of the Health Ministry protesting the harassment and arrest of Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina Islam.
The Health Ministry was scheduled to arrange a press briefing around 11 am at the secretariat.
BSRF came up with the announcement on Tuesday morning.
The next progammes will be announced after an emergency meeting over the issue, it said in a press release signed by Shamim Ahmed, general secretary of BSRF.
Read: Senior journo Rozina produced in court
Earlier in the morning, police produced in a court Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina Islam, who was held in a case under the Official Secrets Act, and sought her custody for five days.
Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Ramna Division) Sazzadur Rahman said that Rozina was produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Jashim around 8 am. He said that the police have sought her remand for custodial interrogation.
Rozina was arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally “collect sensitive government documents and taking photos of them” from the Secretariat on Monday.
The Prothom Alo journalist has rejected all the allegations. "I was, in fact, harassed at the Secretariat," she claimed immediately after her arrest.
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division at Shahbagh police station, said Harun ur Rashid, additional deputy commissioner (Ramna Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Read:Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina arrested under Official Secrets Act
Rozina was handed over to police around 9.45pm on Monday after being held at the Secretariat for over five hours.
Maidul Islam Pradhan, senior information officer at the Health Ministry, claimed that she had entered the room of the Private Secretary to the Secretary of Health Services Division between 3pm and 3.30pm “without permission”.
“She took photos of sensitive documents. Some of those were recovered from her by the staff of the Health Ministry, including the PS, Additional Secretary of the Ministry and police constable Mizanur Rahman,” he claimed.
Health Secretary Lokman Hossain has refused to comment on the matter.
Senior journo Rozina produced in court
Police on Tuesday morning produced in a court Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina Islam, who was held in a case under the Official Secrets Act, and sought her custody for five days.
Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Ramna Division) Sazzadur Rahman said that Rozina was produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Jashim around 8 am. He said that the police have sought her remand for custodial interrogation.
Rozina was arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally “collect sensitive government documents and taking photos of them” from the Secretariat on Monday.
The Prothom Alo journalist has rejected all the allegations. "I was, in fact, harassed at the Secretariat," she claimed immediately after her arrest.
Read: Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina arrested under Official Secrets Act
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division at Shahbagh police station, said Harun ur Rashid, additional deputy commissioner (Ramna Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Rozina was handed over to police around 9.45pm on Monday after being held at the Secretariat for over five hours.
Maidul Islam Pradhan, senior information officer at the Health Ministry, claimed that she had entered the room of the Private Secretary to the Secretary of Health Services Division between 3pm and 3.30pm “without permission”.
“She took photos of sensitive documents. Some of those were recovered from her by the staff of the Health Ministry, including the PS, Additional Secretary of the Ministry and police constable Mizanur Rahman,” he claimed.
Health Secretary Lokman Hossain has refused to comment on the matter.
Read:
Journalists' Protest
Dozens of journalists thronged the police station after Rozina was brought there and staged a protest against her harassment on Monday night.
Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yasmin wrote on her verified Facebook page that Rozina had fallen sick. She also demanded proper treatment of the journalist.
Elias Khan, Secretary of the apex journalist organisation, also condemned the alleged misbehaviour of government employees at the Secretariat with the on-duty journalist.