The Editors Guild Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over a recent letter from the Police Service Association, viewing it as a threat to independent journalism.
The letter, which urged media outlets to exercise greater caution and adhere to journalistic principles when reporting on the police, followed several reports on the unusual wealth of former and current police officials. The Guild, in a statement on Monday (24 June) signed by the organisation's president Mozammel Babu, condemned the letter as direct interference in journalism.
According to the Guild, the media has consistently highlighted the positive contributions of the police, including their sacrifices during the Liberation War, efforts in combating terrorism, roles during the war crimes trials, and humanitarian work during the COVID-19 pandemic. "These positive actions have always been, and continue to be, duly reported by the media," the Guild said.
However, the Guild also stressed the media's duty to investigate and report on any misuse of power and unexplained wealth acquired by officials in government positions. "The media will certainly continue to perform its professional duty by investigating and reporting on such matters," the Guild stated.
The Guild argued that those aggrieved by media reports have the right to issue rebuttals or lodge complaints with the Press Council. It described the Police Service Association's broad accusations as "an unreasonable and inappropriate attack on the freedom of the press and impartial journalism."
In concluding their statement, the Editors Guild called for the cooperation of the police force and all government agencies to enable the media to play a stronger role in combating irregularities and corruption, thereby contributing to the development of a well-governed democratic society.
