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Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly condemned the arrest of Prothom Alo's Senior Reporter Rozina Islam.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Berlin-based anti-graft watchdog called for the immediate withdrawal of the case filed against the journalist. It also called for her unconditional release.
Rozina Islam was arrested and jailed on Tuesday after the health ministry filed a case against her under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act 1923 and the Penal Code 1860.
TIB pointed out that how the investigative reporter was detained at the Ministry of Health while performing her duties is completely unethical.
It urged all concerned authorities to show prudence by ensuring exemplary punishment of the real culprits through proper investigation.
In the statement, TIB’s Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman strongly condemned the arrest of the journalist.
He also expressed his displeasure over the fact that not a single incident of torture on journalists has been properly investigated and prosecuted so far in the country.
It is quite surprising that how the case was filed under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act-1923 and sections 379 and 411 of the Penal Code 1860, drawing on the issue of state secrecy, he said.
Her journalistic identity and freedom have not been considered in this regard, but a selfish group is trying to exert pressure on the entire media by trapping her, he added.
Dr Zaman also demanded ensuring the exemplary punishment of those behind the incident.