On Kanak Sarwar’s sister’s arrest

US condemns use of intimidation to restrict independent journalists’ ability

US condemns use of intimidation to restrict independent journalists’ ability

M Mushfiqul Fazal from Washington 

The United States has called on all governments to ensure media safety and protect journalists’ ability to do their jobs without fear of violence, threats, or unjust detention. The country is deeply concerned over increasing reports of suppression and intimidation of journalists in Bangladesh, including under the Digital Security Act.

A State Department spokesperson made this comment on Wednesday in reply to a question from Just News BD over arrest of the expatriate journalist Kanak Sarwar’s sister Nusrat Shahrin Raka.

“The United States is deeply concerned over increasing reports of suppression and intimidation of journalists in Bangladesh, including under the Digital Security Act. Press freedom and access to factual and accurate information are foundational to prosperous and secure democratic societies,” said the State Department spokesperson.

The spokesperson furthers said, “The United States condemns the use of harassment or intimidation to restrict the ability of independent journalists to serve the public wherever it may occur. We call on all governments to ensure media safety and protect journalists’ ability to do their jobs without fear of violence, threats, or unjust detention.”

On Tuesday, members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Nusrat Shahrin Raka from her residence in city’s Uttara area.

Meanwhile, a court in Dhaka on Wednesday placed Raka on a five-day remand in two cases.

On October 1, Raka in her GD with the police station said a fake Facebook account had been opened in her name and various anti-government posts had been published since then.

She was arrested before taking any legal steps regarding her GD.

KB/