May 5, 2025 11:04 pm
Full News

Global Campaign Rallies for Release of Detained Journalist Farzana Rupa in Bangladesh

In an urgent plea for justice and press freedom, Avaaz has initiated a worldwide campaign to secure the release of Farzana Rupa, a Bangladeshi journalist currently held without trial under conditions typically reserved for those on death row. This appeal, titled “Free Farzana!”, has quickly escalated into a significant movement, spotlighting the deteriorating health and human rights situation of Rupa, who has lost 25 pounds since her detention.
The Predicament of Farzana Rupa: Farzana Rupa, once a principal correspondent for Ekattor TV, has found herself at the center of a storm following her critical reporting on various contentious issues in Bangladesh. Her arrest came after the political upheaval that saw the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with Rupa and her husband, Shakil Ahmed, being detained while attempting to leave the country. Charged with unfounded accusations of murder and genocide, Rupa’s case is a stark reminder of the risks journalists face when they challenge the status quo.
Avaaz’s Mobilization Effort: Avaaz’s campaign is a call to action, urging its global community to sign the petition and amplify the message for Rupa’s immediate release. The initiative emphasizes the role that international pressure can play in influencing the actions of the interim government, especially one led by a figure like Muhammad Yunus, known for his commitment to peace and human rights. By rallying support, Avaaz hopes to create a groundswell that could sway Yunus to leverage his influence for Rupa’s freedom and a fair trial.
The Broader Context: The detention of Farzana Rupa is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern in Bangladesh where journalists are increasingly targeted for their work. This situation underscores the fragile state of press freedom in the country, where media workers face harassment, threats, and legal challenges. Rupa’s case, therefore, serves as a critical test for the new administration’s commitment to human rights and democratic values.
The Role of International Advocacy: The campaign highlights the power of global solidarity in effecting change. By showcasing the support from around the world, Avaaz aims to not only pressure the Bangladeshi government but also to send a message to other nations about the importance of safeguarding journalists. The petition also calls for the protection of press freedom in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to uphold its international commitments to human rights.
Health and Humanitarian Concerns: Rupa’s health has become a focal point of the campaign, with her significant weight loss and the conditions of her detention raising humanitarian alarms. The Avaaz initiative underscores the urgency of her release on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing that no journalist should be subjected to such treatment for doing their job.
How You Can Help: The public is encouraged to join the campaign by signing the Avaaz petition, sharing the message on social media, and engaging in discussions about the importance of press freedom. Every signature is seen as a step towards not just freeing Farzana Rupa but also advocating for a broader respect for journalism worldwide.


Join the Campaign
Conclusion: The “Free Farzana!” campaign by Avaaz is more than a call for the liberation of one journalist; it’s a stand for the principles of free speech, justice, and human rights. As this movement grows, it not only seeks to change Rupa’s fate but aims to remind the world of the essential role journalists play in democratic societies and the collective responsibility to protect them.

Related News
Thailand Becomes 3rd Country in Asia to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
German Gen Z Conservatives: Merz vs. Scholz, Greens Under Fire
Martial Law Withdrawn After Hours of Controversy in South Korea
For the First Time Under Trump’s Presidency, U.S. Ships in the Taiwan Strait
Bella Hadid Makes a Surprise Cameo in Yellowstone Season Finale
Japan, U.S., Philippines to Hold Inaugural Maritime Talks in December
Related Posts
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Possible “At Any Moment
Pakistan Accuses India of Violating Indus Waters Treaty, Prepares Formal Notice
India Suspends Indus Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
Myanmar Junta May Weaponize Nuclear Power Plant, Warns UN Envoy
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Following Pahalgam Attack
Trump Announces 100% Tariff on All Foreign Films
More News

Shreya Ghosal Sheds Tears at Coldplay Concert

It was an extraordinary sight. A singer so deeply moved by another artist’s performance that she was overcome with emotion. Not only that, tears streamed down her face as she tried to hide her tears. This happened in Mumbai, where Bollywood music superstar Shreya Ghosal became emotional while listening to Coldplay’s performance. According to Hindustan […]

Taiwan Sends Warships in Response to China’s Military Drills

China has suddenly intensified its military preparedness around Taiwan. Beijing has launched large-scale military drills along the northern, southern, and eastern coasts, stating that the exercise is a strong warning against separatism. According to AP News, China is conducting extensive military maneuvers involving land, sea, and air forces. In response, Taiwan has also deployed warships. […]

US Vice President Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Modi

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has arrived in India on an official visit along with a diplomatic delegation and held a closed-door meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. This meeting comes at a time when the United States and India are in the final stages of discussions for a mutual trade agreement. […]

Protesters Set Fire to Jatiya Party Headquarters in Bangladesh

Political instability continues in democratic Bangladesh. Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government, protesters set fire to the central office of the Awami League. Now, they have targeted the Jatiya Party’s central office as well. On the evening of October 31, protesters affiliated with the “Anti-Fascist Student, Labor, and Public Movement” vandalized the Jatiya Party […]

Legendary R&B Singer Roberta Flack Dies at 88

Iconic R&B singer and songwriter Roberta Flack has passed away at the age of 88, according to a statement from her representative. Flack, known for her timeless hits such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” died peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. […]

Protests Against Yunus Government in France, Local Residents Also Protest

Paris, February 16 – A protest and demonstration were held in France against the illegal and unconstitutional Yunus government, which has been accused of forcibly seizing power, conspiring to portray Bangladesh as a militant state on the global stage, violating human rights, persecuting minorities, and engaging in political assassinations. The protest was organized by the […]

Cardi B Supports Kamala Harris at Rally, Says She’s ‘Promising a Lot’

Cardi B spoke passionately for Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Wisconsin. The event, called “When We Vote We Win,” included performances from various artists like GloRilla and the Isley Brothers. Cardi compared herself to Harris, saying they are both “underdogs” who have been underestimated. She shared that women often have to work […]

22 schools Rejected, So She Built Her Own Special School for Her Child

A woman has moved from school to school to enroll an autistic child. But nowhere did anyone give her a message of hope. One by one, 22 schools turned her away. That woman herself today has set up a school for children with special needs, so that others do not have to go through such […]

International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas leaders, including Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and Ismail Haniyeh. The charges stem from alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the recent Gaza conflict. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that […]

“Russian Airstrikes Devastate Ukraine Amid Calls for Sanctions and Peace Talks”

Overnight air raids by Russian forces have left at least 14 people dead and dozens injured in Ukraine, intensifying the ongoing conflict just days before critical peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for increased sanctions against Russia in response to the attacks. The strikes targeted the center of Dobropillia in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk […]