Freedom of expression watchdog Article 19 has called on the Bangladesh authorities to ensure speedy investigation and fair trial for journalist Rozina Islam, who was arrested one year ago under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
The organization also demanded that the government abolish the act, describing it as an “outdated colonial law which infringes of civil society’s fundamental right of access to information.”
Rozina, who investigated stories of government corruption and mismanagement of the health sector in Bangladesh during the Covid-19 pandemic, was arrested on May 17, 2021, after a meeting at the Ministry of Health. Following her arrest, she was held for six hours in confinement, where she suffered physical and mental harassment, according to a statement from Article 19.
Since then, Rozina has been facing charges of up to 14 years in prison or even the death penalty. There has been no substantial review of her case and the charges against her have not been withdrawn. Rozina is required to appear in court multiple times a month, with dates often postponed or canceled at the last minute, it added.
Faruq Faisel, regional director of Article 19 South Asia, said: “A year since her arrest, Rozina continues to face uncertainty and injustice at the hands of Bangladeshi authorities. The charges brought against her are based on a law that should never have been used against journalists, as it impedes their right to access information and directly contradicts the right to free expression enshrined in the Constitution.”
He demanded the abolition of the Official Secrets Act as the outdated law was used to harass a journalist.
The investigation report of the case against Rozina Islam is scheduled to be submitted to the court on May 26. the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court had fixed the date on April 10.