Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) today (June 23) expressed concern over a recent statement of the Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) that called upon media to maintain ‘more caution’ on running any graft news of the law-enforcement agencies.

BPSA recently urged the media to maintain more caution and proper adherence to journalistic ethics in reporting about the force, as recent graft reports came to its notice.

“Recent media reports unearthed hidden empires of undisclosed earnings of some current and former government officials.

News hasn’t been run with special purpose. Journalists always publish responsible and fact-based news,” read a statement on Sunday signed by DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohi Uddin.

DRU, a platform of capital-based reporters, claimed that the language of BPSA reaction contradicts to independent journalism.

“We want to say that all information is important for media. But the main job of journalists is to provide investigative news on various topics. Journalists research, extract facts and publish them professionally. Already some such informative news has been published in various newspapers and television,” added the DRU notes.

DRU leaders further mentioned that news naturally goes against someone while whose name the news is published is to prove the published information is correct or not.

“If an officer commits corruption, it is his personal matter; it is not fair to blame the media of the Police Service Association.  Rather, there is a fear of encouraging personal corruption through it. It is not logical to blame each other on these issues,” read the statement.

DRU further appreciated the role of reporters along police for working together against corruption and irregularities for a long time.

“Journalists and police will work together in the coming days as well. Journalists will fulfill their professional responsibilities even in the face of obstacles,” added the statement. DRU has urged everyone to refrain from making statements that undermine the environment of independent journalism.

“We believe in right to freedom of expression and independent journalism as recognised in the constitution of Bangladesh,” closed the notes. 

BDST: 2033 HRS, JUNE 23, 2024
MN/SMS