Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) on Monday expressed deep concern and strong protest over the "objectionable" remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir regarding journalists, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for him to withdraw his statement and offer a public apology.
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel warned in a joint statement that the organisation would announce tough protest programmes if the police chief failed to apologise within 24 hours.
Speaking at an event in Old Dhaka's Chawkbazar earlier on Monday, IGP Ali Hossain Fakir alleged that journalists write reports declaring the police ineffective when they do not receive drug money.
Rejecting the statement, the DRU leaders called such generalized comments contrary to independent journalism and unacceptable coming from a top law enforcement official.
They stressed that if any police officer has specific allegations against a journalist, it should be resolved through legal channels with concrete evidence, rather than making broad negative statements that undermine the dignity of the profession and public trust in the media.