Harassment of Rozina Islam pre-planned: Fakhrul
The BNP secretary general was addressing a discussion meeting organised on Friday demanding release of detained journalist Rozina Islam, journalist leader Ruhul Amin Gazi and political leaders
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said that the harassment and assault on Prothom Alo senior correspondent Rozina Islam was pre-planned like the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Mehrun Runi.
Mentioning that Rozina Islam's is not an isolated incident, he said, "Rozina has always published reports on the government's corruption and irregularities. Like the Sagar-Runi murder, it is a pre-planned incident."
The BNP secretary general was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organised by the Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal demanding release of detained journalist Rozina Islam, journalist leader Ruhul Amin Gazi and political leaders including Nipun Roy Chowdhury.
Mirza Fakhrul said the incumbent Awami League government has taken away the freedom of press in this country. The government has worn the mask of democracy, he opined.
He went on to say, "Unfortunately, the media in our country seldom publish reports on oppressions being inflicted on us. The ruling party owns most of the media outlets."
The BNP leader demanded immediate release of all jailed journalists including Rozina Islam.
Fakhrul also urged journalists not to bow down to greed. "Don't divide the journalist community thinking that you will get a car and a house. Do not create factions among yourselves. You must speak out against injustice."