Journo-turned-NHRC member berates journalists

When reporters questioned if Enamul Hoque Chowdhury was giving the issues discussed enough importance, the NHRC member embarked on rants aimed at them, going so far as to say: “Who is here from the Daily Star? Mahfuz Anam is a friend of mine.” The meeting was scheduled to start by 12 at Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, however it did not commence till after 1:15pm. From the very outset of the meeting, Enamul repeatedly insisted on keeping it short, citing NHRC chairman’s tight schedule. When asked for his opinion on the Ashulia workers unrest by a senior reporter from a Bangla online newspaper, Enamul appeared offended and replied: “Are you trying to imply something?” Reporters from other media outlets had also raised questions on the 24 day-long saga of workers unrest. While NHRC Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque was willing to answer all questions, Enamul continually interfered, insisting that they don’t have the time to answer. At that moment, a photographer from a national daily said: “We are asking about labour rights. Isn’t it important to talk about human rights?” Enamul lost his temper after that, demanding that reporters from The Daily Star reveal themselves so that he may report them to his friend, the editor. The reporter duly provided his name and designation, politely urging they be given to the editor as asking questions was his job. Later, Joydev Chakraborty, assistant director of complaints, monitoring and mediation of NHRC, said: “The senior reporter should be handed over to the police, as she was misbehaving with the member.” Another NHRC official, seeking anonymity, said Enamul always acts this way when in a rush. Enamul Hoque Chowdhury has a 24-year-long career in journalism, spanning both print and electronic media. He served the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha as a special correspondent for more than 10 years. Prior to that, he worked at Bangladesh Television (BTV), Desh TV, the Bangladesh Observer, and The Independent etc. He was one of the founding journalists of BDNews24.com and recently completed his tenure as the minister (Press and Education) of the Bangladesh High Commission, New Delhi.