Celebrities take a stand on social media in support of journalist Rozina Islam

Several celebrities have raised their voices in support of Prothom Alo Senior Correspondent Rozina Islam, after she was harassed and arrested by government officials at the Secretariat when she was collecting information from the health ministry last Monday.

Internationally acclaimed director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki wrote on a social media post, "The journalist community should be vocal in ensuring justice for all those involved in this atrocity. They should be routinely reporting more and more about the corruption in the Health Ministry in the next one month! The real answer is to keep fueling the fire they wanted to stop."

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. Photos: Star

Prince Mahmud

Renowned actor Jaya Ahsan stood beside the journalist through a social media post. "The fingers pressed against Rozina's neck look like a symbol, it seems that the fingers are not on the neck of any person, but on the throat of freedom of speech in Bangladesh," she shared. "We had to see such an ominous crime on the golden jubilee of independence? I demand Rozina be returned to her family as soon as possible."

Celebrated singer Somnur Monir Konal expressed her solidarity with a song, "Satyakonya Rozina" (Daughter of Truth, Rozina) written and sung by her. The lyrics"Khanchay Tumi Keno Bondi Hole, Er Jobab Chai, Dite Hobe; Desher Dosher Bhalo Korte Giye Ei Ki Puroshkar Tobe!?"- Konal's song has been an instant hit, garnering further support for the journalist.

Chanchal Chowdhury

"The mask we started to wear because of Corona, we must keep that habit going, but let's take off the real mask and stand up against injustice raising our voice strongly to demand the release of Rozina Islam," shared Chanchal Chowdhury in his official Facebook page.

Addressing Rozina Islam as 'Tigress', lyricist and composer Prince Mahmud shared on social media, "I don't want your release right now, as you are just an occasion. Through you, the corrupt ministers and bureaucrats of the health department will be destroyed, so keep your head up high and keep roaring."

Jaya Ahsan

"I strongly condemn the harassment of Prothom Alo journalist Rozina Islam," shared actor Ashna Habib Bhabna, on her official Facebook page.

Konal

Many other celebrities including Morshed Mishu, Zakia Bari Mamo, Afzal Hossain, Chayanika Chowdhury, S A Haque Olike, Abdun Noor Tushar, Rownak Hasan, Redoan Rony, Aruna Biswas and Jhuna Chowdhury expressed their concerns and demanded Rozina Islam's release.