Journalists protest demanding Rozina’s release 

Journalists on Tuesday held a rally in front of the National Press Club to protest the harassment and arrest of Rozina Islam, a senior journalist of Prothom Alo.

They demanded her urgent release and probe into the harassments she faced. 

The programme was attended by journalists' leaders under the banner of "Journalists against Oppression". 

Former Dhaka Reporters' Union President Rafiqul Islam Azad said Rozina Islam incited fear in government officials. "Rozina's fault is that four secretaries lost their jobs because of her reports. Hence, she has been sent to jail as planned," he said. 

He further said, "With Rozina's arrest, the country's independent journalism has been hit."

Kajal, president of the Dhaka Divisional Journalists' Association, said, "The journalist community's back has reached the wall. We all journalists want to take to the streets to assert our rights."

Another leading journalist, Jui said "Those who do investigative journalism will get hold of information by any means. If you have a problem with that then provide us the information directly."  

Rozina Islam was detained for allegedly taking snapshots of an official document at the Secretariat without due permission.

Hours after detention, a case was filed against her under the Official Secrets Act.

Health Services Division's (HSD) Deputy Secretary Sibbir Ahmed Osmani filed the case with Shahbagh police station on Monday midnight.

Two more charges were brought against the senior journalist under 379 and 411 sections of the penal code.

Meanwhile, her husband Monirul Islam on Tuesday said that they will file a case against those officials who assaulted and tortured Rozina Islam inside the room of the Secretariat.