Reporters Without Borders expresses concern over arrest of journo Farzana Rupa

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed concern regarding the arrest of journalist Farzana Rupa at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Emphasising concern for Rupa’s safety, the RSF urged the Bangladeshi authorities to release her promptly and allow her to travel.

The organisation stressed that the government must fully ensure her right to a fair trial and protect her personal safety.

Condemning the journalist couple’s arrest, RSF called on the interim government to uphold its commitment to protecting journalists, as per international human rights obligations.

The organisation highlighted the importance of ensuring that all journalists can work safely and independently, free from legal persecution.

Farzana Rupa, former principal correspondent-presenter of Ekattor TV, along with her husband Shakil Ahmed, former head of news of the private TV channel, was recently arrested from the Dhaka airport by the Immigration Police and was later handed over to the Detective Branch of Police.

A Dhaka court has placed Shakil and his wife Rupa, on a four-day remand each. 

The remand order was granted following their arrest in connection with a murder case. The court’s decision came after the police sought a 10-day remand for both journalists in their custody for further investigation.

The remand was requested in connection with the murder investigation of Fazlul Karim, a garment worker, to ensure a thorough investigation. The police believe that detailed interrogation of the couple could reveal key details regarding the case.