Staff Reporter: Expressing concern over the harassment and arrest of Rozina Islam, a senior reporter for Prothom Alo, Stephen Dozaric, a spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said there was no minimum opportunity for free journalism in Bangladesh. Self-censorship now added as a black chapter in the country’s journalism. The incident of harassment and arrest of journalist Rozina Islam has come to the notice of the United Nations. This is obviously a matter of concern.
Stephen Dozeric, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, responded to a question at a regular UN briefing on Tuesday about the arrest, harassment and threats by the ruling party to three other exiled journalists.
In the briefing, UN Permanent Correspondent Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari wanted to know, “I would like to draw your attention to Bangladesh. The minimum opportunity of free journalism is not left in Bangladesh now. Self-censorship now added as a black chapter in the country’s journalism. Just yesterday, Rozina Islam, a journalist with the leading Bengali daily, was detained at the Health Ministry office for more than five hours before being handed over to the police. He was physically and mentally abused by health ministry officials there. Rozina has published several reports on corruption in various ministries, including the health ministry. Rozina Islam is now in jail. This authoritarian government is corrupt at all levels from the top. Another serious issue is the deportation of journalists from outside the country. I know at least 3 such journalists, such as the Bangladeshi journalist in New York. Kanak Sarwar and Ilyas Hossain and outside Tasnim Khalil. They are also receiving death threats from supporters of the ruling party from outside the country. What is your observation in this regard? Journalism has become difficult now, both at home and abroad. ”
In response, the spokesperson of the Secretary General said, “We have come to the notice of the media about the journalist who has been arrested in Bangladesh. Of course we are keeping an eye. This is obviously a matter of concern. ”
“Our position on the issue is very clear,” Dojaric said, noting that journalists need to ensure a safe working environment. Journalists cannot be harassed or physically abused in any way. Ensure free and independent working environment. Whether it is Bangladesh or anywhere in the world. ”
He added: “We have all observed the role of journalists around the world in this time of the coronavirus epidemic. No matter where they work, no matter what they do, their field of work must be unrestricted. ”
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