Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international press freedom organization, has voiced significant concern regarding the recent arrest of journalist Farzana Rupa at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Rupa, along with her husband Shakil Ahmed, was detained while attempting to leave Bangladesh with their daughter after obtaining a visa for France.
RSF emphasizes particular concern for Rupa’s safety and urges the Bangladeshi authorities to release her promptly and allow her to travel.
The organization underscores that her right to a fair trial and personal safety should be fully safeguarded by the government.
Farzana Rupa is a prominent investigative reporter, special correspondent, and presenter at Ekattor TV, a private news channel in Bangladesh criticized by some sectors.
Rupa has also worked with international journalists, including those from France 24, serving as a fixer.
However, due to security concerns, she had ceased working officially as a fixer in recent years.
On August 21, Rupa and her family were prevented from boarding a flight to France by immigration police, despite having prior clearance.
They were subsequently transferred to the Detective Branch headquarters and arrested.
They face charges under articles 302, 114, and 109 of the 1860 penal code, which could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Dhaka court has denied their lawyers' request for bail, remanding them in custody for four days.
RSF condemns the detention of Farzana Rupa and her husband and calls on the interim government to uphold its commitment to protecting journalists, as per international human rights obligations.
The organization stresses the importance of ensuring that all journalists can work safely and independently, free from legal persecution.
General television viewers were critical of Ekattor TV’s role, which they found very partisan. At one point in time, many opposition leaders and political commentators refrained from participating in its talk shows due to the TV channel's slanted coverage.