Dhaka:Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) has expressed deep concern and strong protest over remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir about journalists. The DRU has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for him to withdraw his statement and offer a public apology.
According to United News of Bangladesh, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel have warned that the organisation will announce tough protest programmes if the police chief fails to apologise within the stipulated time.
At an event in Old Dhaka's Chawkbazar, IGP Ali Hossain Fakir alleged that journalists write reports depicting the police as ineffective when they do not receive drug money. The DRU leaders rejected this statement, describing such generalized comments as contrary to independent journalism and unacceptable from a top law enforcement official.
They emphasized that if any police officer has specific allegations against a journalist, they should be addressed through legal channels with concrete evidence, rather than making broad negative statements that undermine the dignity of the profession and public trust in the media.