Catching up with Rozina Islam: Most Resilient Journalist Award winner 2021
Free Press Unlimited has been awarding journalists with the Most Resilient Journalist Award since 2016. We have given this award to eight journalists who have been supported with a cash prize. Now that the nomination round for 2024 has started, we catch up with previous winners to hear how they are doing and how the award has affected their lives. This time: Rozina Islam
The Most Resilient Journalist Award is presented to a journalist who has demonstrated extraordinary strength of character, courage and perseverance in reporting the news.
Winners of the award have often faced imprisonment, violence and censorship for doing their job. This is also the case with Rozina Islam, an investigative journalist from Bangladesh who was awarded in 2021.
Most Resilient Journalist of 2021: Rozina Islam
As an investigative journalist working for the largest daily newspaper in Bangladesh, 'The daily Prothom-Alo', Rozina Islam has uncovered wrongdoings in her country’s health spending and is facing trial and tribulation in her country.
Rozina Islam was arrested in May 2021 on allegations of stealing official documents and espionage after reporting on alleged corruption and mismanagement in the government's response to the pandemic. Though she was released on bail, her passport was seized by the police, and still is to this day, preventing her from travelling. The harassment coming from the government continues. However, she still continues her work in journalism as the Head of Crime Reporting and Special Correspondent at The Daily Prothom Alo in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She is currently working on several investigative stories about corruption and human rights issues.
When asked about how winning the award has impacted her, she shares:
“Winning the Free Press Unlimited award has greatly impacted my career. It has increased my credibility and visibility, allowing me to report on important issues with more reach and impact. The recognition has opened doors to new opportunities, such as speaking engagements and collaborations with international organisations, which have further amplified my voice and the issues I cover.
I also gained courage and confidence after receiving this award. My readers were very happy and treated me very well. The whole media industry and my office were overjoyed. Additionally, I received more information from my sources to help me in my work.”
"Despite the difficulties, I have stayed committed to reporting the truth."
But the recognition also opened a pathway to more challenges. Rozina shares: “After receiving the award I faced more scrutiny, especially from those I reported on. Despite these difficulties, I have stayed committed to reporting the truth. The support from my colleagues, both locally and internationally, has been invaluable in maintaining my focus and dedication to journalism.
She feels empowered to continue: “The award has provided me with a network of supportive peers and access to resources that have been very helpful in my work. This includes training programmes, legal support, and platforms to share my stories with a broader audience. The recognition has also brought attention to the importance of press freedom and protecting journalists, which is crucial in my line of work.
She concludes: “I am deeply grateful for the recognition and support I have received from Free Press Unlimited. It has not only enhanced my career but also strengthened my resolve to continue reporting on issues that matter. I hope this campaign inspires other journalists to pursue the truth with courage and integrity.”
