The Special Branch (SB) of police has initiated the collection of personal data, political affiliations, and social media account details of several journalists and cultural personalities in Dhaka.
This move has sparked a storm of criticism on social media, with media professionals expressing significant anger and concern.
However, the SB has stated that information is not being collected indiscriminately; instead, a database is being created for those who receive invitations to VIP events.
Sajjad Alam Khan Topu, president of Dhaka Union of Journalists, told TIMES of Bangladesh on Thursday that the objectives behind seeking such information should be made clear.
He emphasised that no initiative should be taken that could potentially exert psychological pressure on journalists.
Responding to the situation, Deputy Inspector General (Admin) of City SB Mosharraf Hossain Miazi told TIMES that the matter had been “misrepresented”. He attributed the controversy to a misunderstanding by an SB Sub-Inspector.
Miazi clarified that the database is specifically for individuals who are invited to state functions attended by VIPs and VVIPs.
He explained that the data is being gathered in advance, following orders from headquarters, to avoid complications caused by short notice before such events.
Miazi further stated that information is not being collected in all media and cultural workers indiscriminately and that the authorities are investigating why the controversy arose.
The data collection follows a letter issued on 18 May by Assistant Superintendent of Police (city branch’s east division) Md Kamruzzaman.
The letter, which was sent to zone in-charges in areas including Motijheel, Demra, Shyampur, Sutrapur, Paltan, and Sabujbagh, was subsequently leaked on social media.
This directive was issued considering a previous instruction from the Open-Source Intelligence branch dated 14 May.
In the letter, local police officers were instructed to collect and submit detailed personal information regarding journalists and cultural figures within their respective jurisdictions.
The requested data includes names, addresses, educational qualifications, political identities or affiliations, and whether the individuals are involved in any profession outside of journalism. The police were asked to document family political backgrounds, social media accounts, and any “negative information” associated with the individuals on the list.
Following the criticism, City SB on Wednesday directed Inspectors to take over the investigation responsibilities from sub-inspectors regarding those invited to VIP-VVIP functions.
Multiple police officials stated that the controversy was sparked by issues regarding the behaviour and speech of sub-inspectors.
