FExB, a network of media rights organisations in Bangladesh in the strongest words have protested the arrest of Rozina Islam, a senior reporter of Daily Prothom Alo for allegedly ‘breaching’ Official Secrets Act.

The Forum for Freedom of Expression, Bangladesh made the protest in a press release on Tuesday (May 18).

It said, “The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare alleged that she has been charged for “theft” of “important” official documents from a government office and “photographing” confidential documents.”

“Charges have been brought against Rozina under Sections 385 and 411 of the Penal Code and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, a British colonial law of 1923 which is rarely used,” the press release reads.

FExB, urge to repeal both Official Secrets Act, 1923 and Digital Security Act, 2018, which contradicts the Right to Information Act, 2009, curtails freedom of expression, transparency and accountability to strengthen pluralism and democracy.

The press release was endorsed and signed by Dr. Syeda Aireen Jaman, Secretary-General, PEN International, Bangladesh; Faruq Faisel, South Asia Regional Director, Article 19; Khairuzzaman Kamal, Representative International Federation of Journalists (IFJ); Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, CEO, VOICE, Dhaka; Mainul Islam Khan, Representative, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ); Sayeed Ahmad, Representative, Front Line Defenders; Ahamad Ullah, Member, Bangladesh Manabadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF); GM Mourtaza, CEO, CCD Bangladesh; Saleem Samad, Correspondent, Reporter Without Borders (RSF).