The Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (Noab) said yesterday that the Bangladesh Police Service Association's (BPSA) reaction to recent media reports on the alleged corruption of former and current police officials is unacceptable.
NOAB said in a statement that the association's reaction provides moral support to corrupt officials.
NOAB's statement says that the media often broadcasts reports appreciating the police's achievements and good deeds. However, the media also investigates and professionally publishes information about the acquisition of significant wealth through abuse of power by officials in responsible positions, which is not consistent with known incomes. If there are any errors in reporting such matters, the responsibility lies with the concerned media outlet.
Instead of mutual blame through protests, concerned institutions or individuals can approach the Press Council by following appropriate rules and regulations, it added.
NOAB believes that threatening the media under the guise of requesting greater caution in future reports about the Bangladesh Police Force is contrary to the practice of free and impartial journalism.
A portion of the protest letter sent by BPSA says: "We request to refrain from publishing such misleading reports concerning public safety and order. We also earnestly request that future reports about the Bangladesh Police Force be published with greater caution, adhering strictly to journalistic ethics."
The letter from the BPSA has further tarnished their image and provided moral support to corrupt officials. NOAB hopes that in the future, the police will cooperate with the continuous efforts of journalists in implementing government policies against corruption.
The association's statement came amid the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) inquiry into the assets of former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family following media reports on allegations against him of accumulating illegal wealth.
Media reports also mention former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia's unusually huge assets.