Journalists across Bangladesh formed human chains and staged demonstrations to protest the "harassment" and arrest of senior journalist Rozina Islam.

Various organizations and journalist leaders condemned the incident and demanding Rozina’s immediate release and probe into the "harassments: she faced, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Journalists organized a human chain IN Rangamati demanding withdrawal of ‘false’ charges against Rozina, her unconditional release and exemplary punishment for those who harassed her.

The Barisal Reporters' Unity (BRU) staged another such protest at Sadar Road, the heart of the Barisal city, demanding Rozina’s unconditional release.

Journalists organized another human chain in front of the Rangpur Press Club also demanding the unconditional release of Rozina Islam.

Human chains and protest rallies were also held in front of the Tangail Press Club, the Satkhira Press Club and Patuakhali Press Club.

Rozina, a senior correspondent of Prothom Alo, was detained on Monday night for allegedly taking snapshots of an official document while she was on duty at the Secretariat without due permission.

She was taken to Shahbagh police station after being detained at the health ministry in the Secretariat for five hours.

Subsequently, a case was filed against her under the Official Secrets Act.

Health Services Division's (HSD) Deputy Secretary Sibbir Ahmed Osmani filed the case with Shahbagh police station on Monday midnight.

Two more charges were brought against the senior journalist under 379 and 411 sections of the penal code.

(SAM)