CPJ demands release of four imprisoned journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the immediate release of four imprisoned journalists in Bangladesh and the withdrawal of all cases filed against them.

The international organisation, which works to defend press freedom, made the appeal in a letter sent to Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Monday (27 April).

The letter also urged authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the detained journalists.

The four journalists named are Mozammel Haque Babu, Shyamal Dutta, Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed, all of whom were arrested in 2024 during the tenure of the interim government following the July mass uprising.

In its letter, CPJ stated that the four have been held in custody for more than 18 months in connection with murder cases.

According to CPJ documentation, statements from family members, and assessments by international legal experts, no credible evidence has yet been presented against them, nor has any charge sheet been filed.

The organisation suggested that the nature of their detention indicates they may have been implicated primarily due to their journalistic work and political positions.

CPJ expressed deep concern over the condition of the detainees. It noted that Shyamal Dutta suffered a stroke within days of his arrest on 16 September 2024, but his family was not informed immediately. He has a history of heart disease and severe sleep apnoea, conditions which, CPJ said, have not been adequately addressed in custody.

Mozammel Haque Babu, arrested on the same day, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2023 and underwent major surgery. However, he is reportedly not receiving necessary follow-up treatment, placing him at risk of recurrence.

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Farzana Rupa was allegedly held for two weeks in November 2024 in a condemned cell reserved for death row inmates.

The organisation reminded authorities that freedom of expression is guaranteed under Article 39 of Bangladesh’s Constitution, as well as under international human rights agreements.

CPJ expressed hope that the Ministries of Law and Home Affairs would coordinate to ensure immediate medical care for the four journalists and consider withdrawing the charges against them.

Family members have also raised serious concerns about their health. Relatives of Shyamal Dutta said he is suffering from severe sleep apnoea, heart complications and diabetes, and has lost significant weight.

Meanwhile, Shakil Ahmed is reported to have high blood pressure and cardiac issues, while Farzana Rupa is in poor health, suffering from hypertension and arthritis and occasionally losing consciousness, according to her family.