JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 18, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channel
DHAKA - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) have strongly criticized the arrest of a senior journalist in Dhaka, Bangladesh on April 16. The IFJ demanded his immediate release and an end to the suppression of press freedom in Bangladesh.
Shafik Rehman, 81, was arrested by plainclothes police officers when they gained access to his house on Saturday morning, allegedly posing as Boishakhi television reporters. Rehman was taken to a Dhaka court where he was placed on a five day remand for sedition charges filed in August 2015. The charges relate to the alleged attempts to abduct and murder Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in the US. Rehman applied for bail but the application was rejected by the court.
Rehman is a veteran journalist and editor in Bangladesh. He currently edits the Bangla weekly, Mouchake Dhil, as well as producing and hosting Lal Golap (Red Rose), a program on Bangla Vision TV. He has also been acting as convener of the international affairs sub-committee of the BNP's sixth national council held recently in Dhaka. He is also considered an adviser to the BNP chief.
Prior to his current roles, Rehman was based in the UK, working for various media outlets including the BBC. He also worked as the speech writer for Khaleda Zia, the prime minister's arch-rival. In 1984, Rehman founded the weekly, Jai Jai Din. The weekly was known for its critical commentary of former military ruler Hussain Mohammad Ershad, who banned the magazine forcing the journalist into exile. In 1991, with the fall of Ershad, the weekly resumed publication. It was later turned into a national daily in 2006 and Rehman became the editor until he was allegedly forced to sell its ownership in 2008 during the military-backed caretaker government.
According to the BBC, Rehman is the third pro-opposition editor to be detained in Bangladesh since 2013. The other two editors, including the editor of the English newspaper, the Daily Star, Mahfuz Anam, have faced similar charges. In February, Anam had more than three dozen cases including six sedition pleas and a dozen defamation cases files against him, after he admitted during a televised interview on February 3 to a lapse in editorial judgement in publishing reports based on information supplied by the country’s task force intelligence cell during the caretaker government regime almost a decade ago without being able to independently verify them.
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is seriously concerned over the arrest of a senior journalist. The current trend of legal harassment against editors critical of the government raises serious concerns about the state of press freedom in Bangladesh. As we prepare for World Press Freedom Day, we call on the government to end its attack on press freedom.” - IFJ
Related post from JournalismPakistan.com Archives:
Bangladesh editor admits publishing bogus stories fed by military
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
September 30, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Saadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024: The winners of the Pakistan RTI Quiz Contest 2024, organized by the Pakistan Information Commission and the Press Network of Pakistan, have been announced. Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the quiz highlighted the importance of the Right to Information and citizen empowerment.
September 28, 2024: Explore the alarming rise of online trolling and harassment faced by women journalists in Pakistan, highlighting recent cases involving anchors like Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry. This article delves into the societal challenges these women encounter and the urgent need for action against online abuse
September 27, 2024: TV anchor Shiffa Z. Yousafzai has refuted false rumors about her marriage, calling attention to the harassment working women face in a male-dominated society. She urges social media platforms to remove false content and calls people to stand against such targeting.
September 26, 2024: The Information Department Lahore has issued letters to cancel the declarations of numerous newspapers in Punjab, sparking concerns about press freedom, particularly in South Punjab. The delayed notification has raised questions about transparency and the future of local journalism.
September 26, 2024: A UN expert calls on Kenyan and Pakistani authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the 2022 killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, following a historic ruling by the Kenyan High Court deeming the killing unlawful and disproportionate.
October 02, 2024 Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara was arrested on incitement charges by military police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for his immediate release, urging Cambodia’s new leadership to respect press freedom.
September 25, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Israeli forces' raid on Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah, which resulted in a 45-day closure and the obstruction of reporting during critical times. CPJ emphasizes the importance of allowing journalists to report freely, especially amid ongoing conflicts.
September 25, 2024 Journalist Hadi Al-Sayed, working with Al Mayadeen Media Network, was killed after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in southern Lebanon. He is the fourth journalist to be killed by Israel since October 7, raising global concerns over the safety of journalists in conflict zones. Press unions demand justice and accountability for the targeted attacks.
September 24, 2024 Broadcast journalist Salman Ali Khan was fatally shot by unknown assailants in Madhya Pradesh, India. The IFJ and IJU demand a thorough investigation into the killing. Khan is the third journalist killed in India in 2024, raising concerns over media safety.
September 23, 2024 Explore the rising voices of independent media in Africa, their impact on democracy, and the challenges they face. Discover how these journalists are shaping narratives and empowering communities across the continent.