M Mushfiqul Fazal
US State Department Spokesperson said they are closely following the reported harassment of journalists and members of civil society in Bangladesh, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The US State Department Spokesperson made the comment on Friday in reply to a query regarding the ongoing harassment of the ruling Awami League government against journalists and members of civil society in Bangladesh.
Mentioning the ruling government’s ongoing oppression to the journalists, Just News BD correspondent asked- Bangladesh regime is on Zero tolerance on freedom of expression. Even those who are in exile in the USA or other countries they are close family members are facing harassment by the ruling authority at home. For instance fellow journalists Dr Kanak Sarwar, Elias Hossin, who are staying in US, or Sweden based journalist Tasneem Khalil. Recently the government blocked Sarwar’s You Tube, Facebook as they blocked Just News BD many times. Many journalists are in prison in Bangladesh including former President of the Federal Union of Journalist Ruhul Amin Gazi.
In reply, the State Department spokesperson said in writing, “We are closely following the reported harassment of journalists and members of civil society in Bangladesh, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“As Ambassador Miller stated on World Press Freedom Day, the United States reaffirms the universal right of free expression and the essential role press freedom plays in protecting democracy and keeping citizens informed and safe,” added the Spokesperson.
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