Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) considers that the government has taken notice of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir’s comments concerning “crossfire” and journalists.
The organisation is currently awaiting a decision from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after being reassured by statements from responsible levels of the government.
According to Zahed Ur Rahman, information and broadcasting affairs adviser to the prime minister, the government’s final position will be considered after the prime minister returns home.
These views were expressed on Thursday in a press statement issued on behalf of DRU Executive Committee by President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel.
In the statement, DRU leaders noted that they had previously demanded withdrawal of the IGP’s controversial remarks and an unconditional apology, but the IGP has failed to withdraw his statement, creating concern across the journalistic community.
They stressed that as a government employee, he cannot make such comments about journalists.
Reiterating that DRU remains uncompromising on the professional dignity, honour, and independent journalism of reporters, the leaders expressed hope that the government will take the right decision regarding the IGP.
The DRU leaders expressed hope that the government does not agree with the IGP’s “sweeping and irresponsible” comments about journalists.
They added that while serving as the head of an important force like police, it is expected that one should be more restrained, responsible, and professional when delivering public statements.
Making sweeping comments about any professional group from a responsible position without proper verification is entirely unacceptable, they further said.
Highlighting that the image of government is deeply linked to the remarks of a responsible official, they warned that an individual’s “unrestrained and irresponsible” speech could place the government in embarrassing situations both at home and abroad.
Such comments, they noted, not only damage the government’s image but also raise questions regarding respect for democratic values, freedom of expression, and the state’s relationship with journalists.
The DRU leaders emphasised that journalists perform their duties in the public interest by highlighting societal irregularities, corruption, and crime.
Making allegations against a professional group of journalists over published news is alarming for independent journalism, they observed.
If there are specific allegations against any journalist, legal remedies can be pursued through existing laws and due process; however, blaming the journalistic community based on isolated incidents or allegations is illogical, the leaders said.
They expressed hope that the government will clarify its position on the IGP’s statement and ensure that officials in responsible posts maintain professional etiquette and accountability when speaking publicly.
At the same time, the DRU leaders reiterated their demand for the IGP to withdraw his statement and offer an unconditional apology to the journalistic community.
