Members of the press have threatened tougher movement if the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) does not withdraw its notice summoning two journalists over the media’s coverage of controversies surrounding an ACC director and a police officer.
Numerous journalist associations made the call while continuing their demonstration outside the ACC Headquarters for the second consecutive day on Thursday.
Crime Reporters' Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) members and other organizations of the journalists participated in the human chain.
CRAB President Abul Khair said: "We demand removal of the accused ACC official and withdrawal of the summon letters. Otherwise, we will mobilize a tougher movement with all the journalist organizations."
Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) President Elias Hossain said: "Media helped building the reputation of today's ACC. The situation was different when there was Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) instead of today's ACC."
It is because of our positive journalism, ACC's image has brightened. But this letter proves otherwise. The letter should be withdrawn immediately, he added.
Terming the ACC letter very disrespectful and objectionable, former president of DRU Saiful Islam also echoed similar demand.
At one stage during protest, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, deputy director (public relations) of the ACC, came down to the street to talk to the protesting journalists.
He then said the letter issued by the commission has expired and the journalists do not have to worry about it.
In response to Pranab's remarks, CRAB President Abul Khair said ACC must withdraw the letter to make it officially ineffective. "Government letters are never expired and all reporters know it."
Media reports prompt ACC summons
In a report run by Bangla Tribune on June 23, Dipu Sarwar wrote that ACC Director Khandaker Enamul Basir leaked a probe report to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mizanur Rahman, who faces allegations of amassing illegal wealth.
Issued by ACC Director Sheikh Mohammad Fanafillah, one of the notices said it is mandatory to record and hear the statement of special correspondent, Dipu Sarwar over the report, revealing that Basir took Tk40 lakh from the DIG in bribes.
However, Bangla Tribune denied ever running such a report.
On Monday, the ACC issued two notices asking online news portal Bangla Tribune’s special correspondent, Dipu Sarwar, and ATN News’ Emran Hossain Suman, to appear before it Wednesday morning to record their statements over a couple of recent reports.
Sirajganj journalists protest against ACC
In soliarity with nationwide ongoing protest, journalists formed a human chain against Anti Corruption Commission's (ACC) in Sirajganj Thursday morning.
The demonstration was arranged by Sirajganj Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of two letters served by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to summon two of their fellows.
