Pakistan ship arrived with dates, onions; false reporting done by enemies of Bangladesh: Home adviser

The media of a neighbouring country is taking advantage of misleading reports run by Bangladeshi media, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today (19 November).

Speaking at a views exchange meeting with journalists at the media centre of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) in the port city, he urged journalists to counter the false reports published by the neighbouring country's media.

"Media in our country has a reputation for truthful journalism, but the neighbouring country's media is infamous for publishing false and provocative news reports," he said.

Referring to some media reports by some Indian outlets regarding the arrival of a Pakistani ship in Bangladesh, the adviser said, "Our port is open to all. There is no embargo on berthing any country's ships.

"We are not bound to serve any particular country exclusively. The ship that recently arrived from Pakistan brought dates and onions, which are essential goods. Those publishing false reports about this issue are acting as enemies of our country."

Addressing the current law and order situation, Adviser Jahangir said, "The country's law and order situation is improving day by day. It is now far better than how it was in August and September. Give us some more time; we are trying our best to stabilise the situation."

He also said, "The police force has reorganised and regained public confidence in the last three months. Now this force is working actively, which is evident from the improving law and order situation."

Regarding the arrest of individuals who attacked students with firearms during recent movements, the adviser said, "The law enforcement agencies have been conducting drives to bring all the criminals to justice. We need the media's help in this regard."

Replying to a question, Lt Gen Jahangir said, "The police used to file false cases in the past. Now people are filing false cases to implicate others due to personal interests. We have already instructed the police not to harass people implicated in such false cases without conducting proper investigations."

Admitting that the interim government can also make mistakes, he called on journalists to report on irregularities and corruption within the current government. 

"Such reports will give us the opportunity to rectify our mistakes," he said.