Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international organisation advocating for press freedom, in a letter to Cheif Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has voiced serious concerns over the recent arrest of Bangladeshi journalist Farzana Rupa.
Farzana Rupa was detained yesterday at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport along with her husband, Shakil Ahmed, as they attempted to leave the country with their 17-year-old daughter after securing visas for France.
RSF's apprehensions are particularly focused on Farzana Rupa's safety, urging the Bangladeshi authorities to promptly release her and allow her to travel.
The organisation also emphasised that, should she remain in custody, her right to a fair trial and safety must be fully guaranteed by the Bangladeshi government, which bears primary responsibility in this regard.
Farzana Rupa is a special correspondent, and presenter on Ekattor TV, a privately-owned television news channel that has been broadcasting in Bangladesh since 2012.
Ekattor TV has faced criticism from various sectors of the population, particularly from religious fundamentalists. Alongside her role at this local television channel,she has collaborated with numerous foreign journalists, including reporters from France 24, although she ceased her official work as a fixer for foreign journalists in recent years due to security concerns.
Since the onset of protests against the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Farzana Rupa, her husband Shakil Ahmed—who is the head of news at Ekattor TV—and their daughter have found themselves in an increasingly precarious security situation.
The family has become a primary target of the opposition and the protest movement, during which five journalists have already lost their lives.
In their attempt to leave the country yesterday, the family was prevented from boarding their flight by immigration police, despite having received prior clearance. Special Branch officers subsequently informed them that they had no right to leave the country.
The family was then transferred to Detective Branch headquarters, where they were arrested.
According to sources, Farzana Rupa and her husband have been charged under Articles 302, 114, and 109 of the 1860 Penal Code, charges that could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment.
A Dhaka court refused to consider their lawyers' request for bail and remanded them in custody for four days.
RSF has condemned the detention of Farzana Rupa and her husband, urging the interim government to honour its international human rights commitments, which include the protection of journalists.
The organisation stressed that it is the government's duty to ensure Farzana Rupa's right to a fair trial and to uphold the safety and independence of all journalists, allowing them to work without fear of legal prosecution.
RSF has also offered to provide additional information to the authorities if required.
