Overseas Correspondents Association calls for end to harassment of journalists

The Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh (OCAB) has expressed concern over an incident in which a journalist was prevented from travelling abroad and has called for an end to harassment of media professionals.

In a statement issued today (5 May), OCAB said journalist Nazrul Islam was stopped from travelling to China at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Sunday (3 May), adding that the move undermines journalists' rights.

Nazrul Islam, who represents the German news agency DPA and currently serves as OCAB president, was allegedly barred without being shown any valid reason by security and immigration officials.

OCAB condemned the incident, stating that such actions are "unwanted, unexpected and a clear violation of the basic right to travel," and warned that they could create fear and confusion among journalists.

The organisation also noted that the incident occurred on World Press Freedom Day, which is observed globally to uphold the principles of press freedom.

According to OCAB, Nazrul Islam had collected his boarding pass for a scheduled trip to China when immigration police called him aside and questioned him about his profession and his role as OCAB president.

He was later informed that he would not be allowed to travel due to a lack of clearance from "security agencies."

In a Facebook post, Nazrul Islam said immigration officials did not provide any valid explanation for preventing his travel.

OCAB called on the government to clarify the incident and take steps to stop such actions, which it said undermine the rights of journalists.

Earlier, ahead of World Press Freedom Day, OCAB had urged the government and political stakeholders to ensure journalists' safety, release those detained without charges, withdraw what it described as disproportionate cases against journalists, reform laws restricting freedom of expression, and strengthen protections against cyber threats.