The United Nations has expressed concern over the harassment and arrest of Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina Islam.
Journalist Rozina Islam’s arrest is obviously “something concerning”, said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, responding to a question during a regular briefing of the UN on Tuesday.
He notted that journalists need to be able to do their work free of any sort of harassment or physical threat anywhere around the world.
“Look, I’ve seen…we’ve seen the press reports on the journalist that was arrested in Bangladesh. It’s, obviously, something that we’re looking at. It’s something that’s concerning,” said Stephane Dujarric.
The spokesperson said their position has been clear and obviously that includes Bangladesh and every other country.
“I think we’ve 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,” he said.
Journalist Rozina Islam was arrested on Monday night in a case under the Official Secrets Act.
A Dhaka court on Tuesday sent her to judicial custody after rejecting the demand of police to take her on a five-day remand.
