The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has warned that sweeping allegations against journalists by the country’s police chief risk undermining press freedom, public trust in the media and the professional integrity of reporters, demanding that he withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology within 24 hours.
The organisation warned that it would announce tough programmes of action if Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir failed to comply with the demand within the deadline.
The demand was made in a press release signed by DRU office secretary Rashim Molla on Monday evening, following the IGP’s comments alleging that journalists publish negative reports about police when they do not receive money from the drug trade.
Earlier on Monday, speaking at an event in Chawkbazar in Old Dhaka, Ali Hossain said: “If journalists do not get drug money, they write that the police are ineffective. Such reports are published in various national media outlets.”
In a statement protesting against the remarks, DRU president Abu Saleh Akon and general secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said such sweeping comments about journalists’ professionalism and integrity were contrary to the principles of independent journalism.
They said reporting on drug trafficking, crime, irregularities and corruption was an integral part of journalists’ professional responsibilities.
Such remarks were unacceptable from someone holding a position as important as that of the IGP, they added.
The DRU leaders said any complaint by a police officer against a journalist should be addressed through lawful procedures based on specific information and evidence.
Making generalised allegations against journalists, they said, was undesirable as it undermined the dignity of the journalistic community and risked eroding public confidence in the media.
They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the IGP’s remarks and a public apology, reiterating that the organisation would announce tough programmes within the next 24 hours if he failed to meet its demands.
The DRU said its planned response would aim to protect independent journalism and uphold the dignity of journalists.