Six Years of Harassment
Six Years of Harassment
Consequences of Critical Reporting on Rohingya Issues
Over the last six years, I have faced targeted harassment from various Bangladeshi security forces, including the DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence), NSI (National Security Intelligence), and APBn (Armed Police Battalion). This harassment has serious implications for my personal safety and my ability to continue my work as a journalist. More seriously, the harassment often extends to Rohingya youth who are completely unconnected to me, causing them undue distress and disruption.
The root of this harassment lies in my journalistic work, which has exposed sensitive issues that the Bangladeshi authorities prefer to keep hidden. My reporting has brought to light forced recruitment of Rohingya to fight alongside junta forces, controversial repatriation tactics, and the situation in Bhasan Char and No Man’s Land.
This harassment began in 2018 when I booked a room for a prominent Rohingya activist in the same hotel where I was staying. The DGFI immediately intervened, attempting to prevent me from entering the camps. At that time, I received support from the then-head of Bangladesh’s Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission (RRRC), Mohammed Abul Kalam, and from Mizanur Rahman ( who is the current head of RRRC). Both appreciated my work, with Rahman even praising a film I co-produced about the Biharis.
How things have changed!
I should also acknowledge the support of the editor of Dhaka Tribune, Zafar Sobhan, and the current head of BRAC, Asif Saleh, during my tense application process. I remain deeply indebted to them for their support all those years ago.
However, things got worse. Over the years individuals have been detained and interrogated about me, including many who have no connection to me whatsoever. The most recent incident, wrtten up here in the Dhaka Tribune, exemplifies this.
This incident was the tipping point. I had no involvement with the meeting or the organisation, nor any professional connection to the individuals who were questioned about me. It was a blatant attempt to intimidate and harass me indirectly. Their phones were confiscated, and passwords were forcibly removed.
This was the final straw. I decided to take my case to the Committee to Protect Journalists and other relevant organisations.
Questions for NSI
There is no point in me asking the NSI why they are doing this. I know why. However, I did ask their Head of PR a series of questions about one year ago - almost exactly. I have still had no answers. So let me ask those questions again in case he feels like answering this year. Here they are:
Has the role of NSI in the Rohingya camps been explicitly gazetted by the Bangladeshi Government? If yes, could you provide details please?
Specifically, what unique services or assistance does the NSI bring to the Rohingya camps that other security or law enforcement forces currently present cannot?
Does the NSI have a formally articulated mission statement or set of objectives in relation to its involvement in the Rohingya camps?
Can you describe how the NSI sees its role in maintaining order and safety within the camps, and how does it liaise with other forces present to achieve this?
We've received multiple reports from the Rohingya community about alleged acts of intimidation by NSI personnel. Can you provide any insights into these allegations and how they are being addressed?
Are there any preventive measures in place to ensure the protection of the Rohingya refugees from potential harassment or intimidation?
Is the NSI taking steps to foster trust and open communication with the Rohingya community to resolve their concerns? If yes, how?
There are claims suggesting that the NSI has been instrumental in organising demonstrations - like the Let’s Go Home Campaign - that align with the government's messaging within the camps. Can you comment on these allegations?
If the NSI is involved in organising demonstrations, what are the objectives of such activities and how do they align with NSI’s stated mission and the broader goals for the Rohingya camps?
How does the NSI balance its intelligence and security duties with the broader humanitarian mission of the camps?
How is the NSI ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations within the Rohingya camps, especially in light of these allegations in question 8?
Could you please elaborate on the relationship and chain of command between the NSI and the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner's office (RRRC)? How does coordination and communication between these entities occur for effective camp management?
Answering these questions would be good for NSI. It would certainly be more productive than harassing random individuals with questions like, “Do you know Shafiur Rahman?”
I am an ally of the Rohingya in terms of their pursuit of justice and accountability. I also have a long-term vision of a better future where my reporting contributes to meaningful change, and a more inclusive Bangladesh. These core beliefs keep me motivated despite the challenges.