Foreign ministry to face questions over Rozina’s arrest: Momen

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said his ministry will facing embarrassing questions from different international communities over journalist Rozina’s arrest.

The minister came up with the comment at a press conference in the capital on Thursday.

“The harassment and arrest of Prothom Alo Reporter Rozina Islam is regrettable,” Momen said.

Bangladesh earns defamation in international arena for a few officials like those involved in Rozina’s harassment, he added.

Foreign minister said there is nothing to hide by the government in the issue. 

"The government of Sheikh Hasina is a media-friendly one. We’ve nothing to hide. I know, as Foreign Ministry, we’ve to face it. Many will raise questions. We don't want such incidents," Dr Momen said, adding that "you (questioner) may be right" that few people bring bad fame for the government. 

Momen appreciated the role of the media in unearthing many stories, including the pillow saga and Shahed Karim issues. 

"The government has taken action (after those stories were published). You (media) help the government. You’re part of the government. You’re helping us (govt) much. We thank you," he said.

Momen referred to what ruling Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said on Wednesday and appreciated his remarks. 

Hanif said the incident that took place at the Secretariat with journalist Rozina Islam was undesirable and that the country would have benefited if strict action had been taken against the corrupt instead of filing cases against journalists.

Momen said this should be managed by the Health Ministry. "We can say it's a regrettable matter for our government."

He said since it is subjudice matter he cannot talk about it details. "The only thing is it's regrettable. The incident what happened is very regrettable. We expect it will not repeat again."

Referring to what his other colleagues said, Dr Momen said Rozina will get justice. "It's unexpected."

Rozina is accused under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of the Penal Code, for allegedly attempting to “collect sensitive government documents and taking photos of them” at the Health Ministry. 

On May 18, a magistrate court turned down the police department’s request for a 5-day remand and instead sent her to jail until her bail hearing scheduled for today.

Rozina was confined to a room for nearly six hours as she went to the Health Ministry on May 17 when she fell ill and fainted. She was then taken to Shahbagh Police Station. 

On Thursday, the Human Rights Watch said Bangladesh authorities should drop all the "oppressive charges" against renowned journalist Rozina Islam.

Rozina's colleagues believe she was detained over her reporting on corruption and mismanagement in the public health sector, including the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, said the HRW.