LRF demands withdrawal of IGP's statement and an apology

The Law Reporters Forum (LRF), an organisation of journalists covering law, justice, the constitution and human rights, has strongly condemned and protested remarks about journalists by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, which it called offensive.

The organisation also urged him to withdraw the remarks immediately and apologise publicly. Otherwise, it warned, it would announce united programmes to protect independent journalism and the dignity of journalists.

Speaking at an event in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday (26 October), the IGP said, “When journalists don’t get money from drug dealers, they write that the police are ineffective. Such reports are published in various national media outlets.”

In a statement issued the same day, LRF President Muhammad Yasin and General Secretary Arafat Munna protested the remarks.

They said such comments on journalists’ professionalism and integrity are unconstitutional and contrary to independent journalism.

The leaders said reporting on the drug trade, crime, irregularities and corruption is a professional responsibility of journalists, and that they continue to fulfil it despite various obstacles. They expressed fear that, with someone in a responsible position like the IGP making such remarks, obstacles to journalists from drug dealers and criminals could increase further.

They added that if there is any specific allegation against a journalist, it must be resolved through due legal process on the basis of evidence. Blanket negative comments, they said, not only damage the dignity of the journalist community but could also undermine public trust in the media.

Demanding the immediate withdrawal of the remarks and a public apology, the LRF leaders said they would otherwise be compelled to announce united programmes involving professional journalists to protect independent journalism and journalists’ dignity.