The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) believes the government has taken note of the controversial remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir regarding “crossfire” and journalists.
Government representatives have also addressed the issue. Zahed Ur Rahman, the prime minister’s adviser on information and broadcasting, has indicated that the government’s final position will be determined after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returns to the country. Reassured by the statements from government officials, the DRU is now awaiting the prime minister’s decision.
In a statement issued on Thursday, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel conveyed these views on behalf of the organisation’s executive committee.
The statement said the DRU had previously demanded that the IGP retract his controversial remarks about journalists and offer an unconditional apology. However, the IGP has yet to do so, raising serious concerns among members of the journalistic community.
“As a public servant, he has no justification for making such comments about journalists,” the statement said, adding that the DRU would remain firm in defending journalists’ professional dignity and honour, as well as the principle of independent journalism. The organisation expects the government to take appropriate action regarding the IGP’s remarks.
DRU leaders expressed hope that the government would not endorse the IGP’s sweeping and irresponsible comments. They said the head of a vital institution such as the police force should exercise restraint, responsibility and professionalism in public statements. Making broad, unsubstantiated generalisations about any professional group is unacceptable, they added.
The statement further noted that the public remarks of senior officials are closely linked to the image of the state and the government. Intemperate and irresponsible comments can put the government in an embarrassing position both at home and abroad, damage its reputation and raise questions about its commitment to democratic values, freedom of expression and its relationship with the journalistic community.
Journalists serve the public interest by exposing irregularities, corruption and crime, the DRU leaders said. Making sweeping accusations against the entire profession over published news reports threatens the environment for independent journalism.
They added that specific allegations against individual journalists should be addressed through established legal channels and due process. Holding the entire journalistic community accountable for isolated incidents or allegations is neither reasonable nor fair, they said.
The DRU leaders expressed hope that the government would clarify its position on the IGP’s remarks and ensure that officials in positions of responsibility uphold professional decorum and accountability in their public statements.
They reiterated their demand that the IGP retract his remarks and offer an unconditional apology to the journalistic community.