Protest rallies held in US against journalist harassment

The naked reality of attempts to silence the voice of journalism in Bangladesh has come to light through attacks, harassment and lawsuits against journalist Rozina Islam. This incident has destroyed the image of Bangladesh at the international level. Those who harassed Rozina Islam must be held accountable and Rozina Islam must be released immediately. The harassment case filed against her has to be withdrawn.

This was stated at a protest rally of writers, journalists and expatriates in New York City, USA. The protest took place at the Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, known as Time Square for Asian immigrants in the United States, on Tuesday, May 18. The gathering was attended by writers, journalists and community representatives from neighbouring states, including New York.

Foreigners were also seen expressing solidarity as people gathered at the Diversity Plaza rally with handwritten posters. Writer and journalist Ibrahim Chowdhury spoke at the beginning of the protest rally organised by cultural organiser Tofazzal Liton. He thanked the expatriate community for their response to the persecution of a journalist in the country and for coming down in protest.

Among others Veteran lawyer Sheikh Akhtaruzzaman, heroic freedom fighter Subrata Chowdhury, Commander of the United States Freedom Fighters Parliament Abdul Mukit Chowdhury, writer and journalist FM Misbauzzaman, Nihar Siddiqui, Nazmul Ahsan, Abu Taher, Sham Al M Salah Uddin, Shakhawat Hossain Selim, MB Tushar, HB Rita, Raushan Haque, Gopal Sainal, Mahfuzur Rahman, Biswajit Saha, Rokeya Deepa, Shahidul Islam, Raushan Ara Neepa, Manjurul Haque were present and spoke in the protest rally.

Rozina Islam, a senior reporter of the Prothom Alo, left home Monday afternoon to perform her professional duties. After that she could not return home as usual. Rozina Islam, a well-known face in the field of journalism in Bangladesh, has endured an indescribable storm of 23 hours. She was sent to jail Tuesday afternoon in a case filed by the health ministry.