CPJ, RSF express concern

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have expressed concern over the arrests of journalist couple Shakil Ahmed, former Head of News at Ekattor Television, and Farzana Rupa, the channel's former principal correspondent, report agencies.

"We urge authorities to respect the reporters' procedural rights, ensure their safety, and drop any investigation brought in retaliation for their journalistic work," CPJ posted on X.

The international press freedom organisation, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has raised serious concerns about the safety and fair treatment of Bangladeshi journalist Farzana Rupa.

RSF expressed particular concern for Rupa's safety, urging the Bangladeshi authorities to release her promptly and allow her to travel. The organisation emphasised the importance of ensuring Rupa's right to a fair trial and her safety while in custody. They also called on the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, to uphold its international human rights commitments and protect journalists from persecution.