ARTICLE 19, a UK-based international human rights organization, has congratulated Daily Prothom Alo journalist Rozina Islam on receiving the ‘Free Press Award-2021’.
She won the award under the “Most Resilient Journalist 2021” category presented by Free Press Unlimited, an Amsterdam-based organization in the Netherlands.
In a press statement on Wednesday, Faruq Faisel, Regional Director for Bangladesh and South Asia of ARTICLE 19, said: “On behalf of ARTICLE 19, I would like to felicitate Rozina Islam to get ‘Free Press Award-2021’ under the “Most Resilient Journalist 2021” category.”
Attacks, lawsuits, torture and harassment of journalists and free-thinking people are on the rise and this award is recognition of Rozina Islam for continuing journalism with honesty and courage, said Faisel.
Rozina Islam was detained in the Ministry of Health for five hours on May 17, 2021 while performing her professional duties.
Faruq Faisel said free media and courageous journalism ensure accountability in society.
“Rozina Islam carrying out investigative journalism amid hostility, which is highly commendable. As Rozina Islam’s passport was confiscated, she was unable to attend the awards ceremony in The Hague, Netherlands, which is a great shame”.
ARTICLE 19 called on the government to withdraw the case against Rozina and demanded the return of her passport, mobile phone and accreditation card.
Source: United News of Bangladesh