Take strict action against the corrupt instead of suing journalists: Hanif

Ruling Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said the incident that took place in the Secretariat yesterday with journalist Rozina Islam was "undesirable" and that the country would benefit if strict action was taken against the corrupt instead of filing cases against journalists.

Bangla daily Prothom Alo's Senior Reporter Rozina Islam was confined for around five hours in the health ministry at the Secretariat on Monday before being handed to police.

Later the same day, the deputy secretary of the health services division filed a case against her under the Official Secrets Act with Shahbagh Police Station.

Talking to The Daily Star today, Hanif, a lawmaker from Kushtia-3 (Sadar) constituency, condemned the incident, describing what happened with her at the Secretariat as very sad, unexpected and undesirable. 

Hanif said the media is the mirror of society. Through it, people get the accurate picture of the country. It also acts as a supporting force for the government.

Therefore, there should be good relations between the government and the media, but sometimes it is seen that corrupt people cause disruption in this place, he said.

The country will be benefitted if strict action is taken against the corrupt people, not against the journalists, the lawmaker added.

Earlier today, Rozina was taken to Kashimpur Women's Central Jail from Shahbagh Police Station.