Women journalists start token hunger strike for immediate release of Rozina

Women journalists today started a token hunger strike, demanding withdrawal of case against Prothom Alo Senior Correspondent Rozina Islam and her immediate unconditional release.

Sitting in front of Dhaka Reporters' Unity, the journalists demanded punishment of those who assaulted and harassed her at the Secretariat.

They alleged that Rozina was arrested for her investigative reports that unveiled corruption of health ministry officials.

"She is one of the finest investigative reporters in the country. She has been working for the betterment of the nation by exposing corruption. We want her immediate release," Sajida Islam Parul, a staff reporter of daily Samakal said.

"Corrupt officials are now teaching us investigative journalism. They want to say that writing reports based on their press release is journalism," said Shamima Dola, another female journalist.

"We want immediate release of Rozina Islam," she demanded. 

Rumana Zaman, an executive member of Dhaka Reporters' Unity, said a journalist like Rozina Islam should not be in jail. Jails should be the place for corrupt officials.