The United Nations (UN) has said journalist Rozina Islam's arrest is obviously "something concerning,” noting 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, spokesman for the UN secretary general, in a regular briefing on Tuesday.
Also Read - Law Minister: Journalist Rozina must get justice
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.
Health Ministry officials turned Islam over to police on Monday after confining her at the office of Saiful Islam Bhuiyan, the personal secretary to the Health Services Division secretary for five hours.
Also Read - Rozina: Being treated wrongfully for my reports on Health Ministry
She was later sued under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and the Penal Code for “theft and photographing” of official documents.
On Tuesday, a Dhaka court turned down police’s appeal to quiz Islam in custody for five days.
The renowned journalist will be detained in jail until the next hearing of her bail petition on Thursday.
