UN concerned over arrest of Rozina Islam

The United Nations has expressed concerns over the harassment and arrest of Rozina Islam, a senior reporter of Bangla-language daily Prothom Alo, adding that they were looking into the matter.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said this responding to the question during a regular media briefing on Tuesday.

“Journalists need to be able to do their work free of any sort of harassment or physical threat anywhere around the world. And, obviously, that includes Bangladesh and every other country,” Dujarric said.

“I think we have seen the very important work that journalists all around the world have done during the pandemic, and they need to be able to continue that work, wherever they may work,” Dujarric added.

Rozina Islam was arrested on May 17 in a case filed by the health ministry under the Official Secrets Act.

The journalist was sent to Kashimpur Jail on Tuesday after Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Jasim rejected a remand plea for her.

Her bail hearing is scheduled for May 20.