QRS urges protection of press freedom in Rezanur case

The Quick Response Support (QRS) Team has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of journalist Md. Rezanur Islam, Acting Editor of Dainik Agrayatra Pratidin, in a case filed under the Cyber Security Act (CSA) over reports published by the newspaper.

In a statement, QRS said Rezanur Islam was arrested on June 19 and sent to jail before securing bail from the Bogura Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on June 22. The case was filed following the publication of several reports concerning allegations of corruption against State Minister Mir Shahe Alam.

According to the statement, several journalists and editorial staff members of the newspaper have also been named in the case.

While acknowledging that allegations such as defamation, misinformation, extortion or professional misconduct should be addressed through lawful and transparent procedures, QRS expressed concern that the use of criminal provisions against journalists for published reports could negatively affect media freedom and discourage public-interest journalism.

The organisation said arrest and detention should be measures of last resort, particularly in cases involving journalistic work and freedom of expression. It also noted that the incident highlights broader concerns over legal mechanisms that may expose journalists to arrest, detention and prolonged legal proceedings for carrying out their professional responsibilities.

QRS urged the authorities to ensure that the rights of journalists and media professionals are respected throughout legal proceedings and that due process is maintained at every stage. It further called for any complaints relating to published content to be handled in a manner consistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and internationally recognised standards of press freedom.

Reaffirming its commitment to media freedom, QRS said it would continue monitoring developments in the case and support efforts to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalism in Bangladesh.