UNB :
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday said journalist Rozina Islam will get fair treatment and judgement, emphasizing that Bangladesh’s judiciary is very independent.
“Bangladesh’s judiciary is very independent, she [Ms Islam] will get fair treatment, and judgment … We don’t want anyone to suffer,” he told CNN in a live interview, mentioning that it is a legal issue and they do not intend to interfere in it.
Dr Momen said there is law in the country and they honour the law, and that is why they do not want to talk about it much since it is in the court. “Rozina Islam will get a totally fair judgment … no doubt about that.”
On Thursday, Dr Momen said it is very regrettable what happened to journalist Rozina Islam and the government has nothing to hide.
“It’s very regrettable. The government of Sheikh Hasina is a media-friendly one. We have nothing to hide. I know as the Foreign Ministry, we have to face it. Many will raise questions. We don’t want such incidents,” Dr Momen said.
He appreciated the role of the media in unearthing many stories, including the pillow saga and Shahed Karim issues.
“The government has taken actions (after those stories were published). You (the media) help the government. You’re part of the government. You’re helping us (the government) much. We thank you,” he said.
Dr Momen referred to what ruling Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said on Wednesday and appreciated Hanif’s remarks.
Hanif said the incident that took place at the Secretariat with journalist Rozina Islam was undesirable and that the country would benefit if strict action was taken against the corrupt instead of filing cases against journalists.
Dr Momen said this should have been handled by the Health Ministry.
Referring to what his other colleagues said, Dr Momen assured that Ms Islam will get justice.
