Banshkhali MP accuses journalists of corrupt practices

A ruling party lawmaker from Chittagong's Banshkhali constituency urged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to take stern actions against alleged corrupt local journalists. MP Mostafizur Rahman made the allegations at a public hearing organised by the ACC at Banshkhali Upazila Parishad premises on Tuesday. The hearing was organised to ensure the accountability of public officials and transparency of their work. Mostafizur alleged that local journalists illegally demanded money from the contractors of government development projects. He said: "Some so-called journalists extort contractors by taking photographs of dams and claim the work was not up to the mark. The contractors have to leave the projects half-done due to such illicit demands. "So, I urge the ACC commissioner to identify these so-called journalists who misuse their profession and take necessary action against them," the MP added. Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Zillur Rahman Chowdhury conducted the public hearing where ACC Commissioner Nasiruddin Ahmed, Kazi Chahel Tostori, UNO of Banshkhali, spoke among others. The ACC commissioner listened to the complaints and grievances raised by the locals at the public hearing. Following the allegations, Chittagong Union of Journalists (CUJ) leaders published a statement calling out the MP on his remarks and said he had insulted journalism by making such allegations. The journalist leaders also demanded a public apology from the MP.