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Rozina Islam, 42, is an investigative reporter for Prothom Alo, the country’s largest Bangladeshi daily newspaper, and was arrested by the police on Monday under the Official Secrets Act. She was later charged with stealing documents from the Ministry of Health.
Her lawyer said that Islam was released on bail after the chief executive of the capital Dhaka ordered the surrender of the passport and the payment of bail of 5,000 taka (US$60).
Dhaka Chief Prosecutor Abdullah Abu said: “As long as she submits her passport, we will not object to her temporary bail.”
He said that the passport was submitted to prevent her from leaving the country, adding that Islam is expected to be released from detention later today.
Journalists’ unions and propaganda groups say Islam has been detained for its stories, including allegations that medical equipment is urgently needed to stay at Dhaka airport for several months, and that it has offered bribes to recruit doctors.
The secretary-general of the Bangladesh National Press Club welcomed the court’s bail decision, but requested that the prosecution against her be dropped. Elias Khan said: “She was required to submit a passport, which restricted her freedom of movement.” “We demand that all cases against her be immediately dismissed…Bangladesh journalists are still working in an atmosphere of fear.”
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