Police Service Association's reaction to graft reports threat to journalism: Noab, Editors Guild

The Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (Noab) and the Editors Guild, Bangladesh have said the Bangladesh Police Service Association's (BPSA) reaction to recent media reports on alleged corruption involving former and current police officials is unacceptable and constitutes a threat to independent journalism.

"The BPSA's reaction provides moral support to corrupt officials," Noab said in a statement today. 

"If there are any errors in reporting news, it is the responsibility of the media houses concerned. In such cases, if necessary, the institution or individual concerned can approach the Press Council following the appropriate rules and regulations."

Instead, Noab said the media has been "threatened to be more careful in publishing any kind of report about the Bangladesh Police force in the future, which the platform believes is against the practice of independent media and impartial journalism".

On 21 June, the BPSA issued a statement condemning what it described as a "smear campaign" by certain media outlets against current and former members of the police force.

The association claimed that these reports are exaggerated, partial, and intentionally misleading, and it urged the media to exercise greater caution when publishing any reports about the police force in the future.

The association's statement came amid the Anti-Corruption Commission's inquiry into the assets of former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and his family, following media reports on allegations against him of accumulating massive illegal wealth.

There have also been media reports on unusually huge assets by former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia.

In a separate statement today, the Editors Guild expressed deep concern over the BPSA's reaction, stating, "Such a reaction that casts wholesale blame on the media creates a threatening atmosphere for independent journalism in society."

Referring to the BPSA's reaction, the platform said, "It is direct interference in journalism. Although it is stated that the responsibility of the individual is not that of any force, the Police Service Association took direct responsibility for individuals in this case."

The Editors Guild believes that if any individual is offended by news reports, they can protest and complain to the Press Council. It added, "But the BPSA's statement is an unwarranted and indecent assault on independent media and impartial journalistic practices."

The statement also sought the cooperation of all government agencies, including the police force, so that the media can play a stronger role against irregularities and corruption in building a rule-based democratic society.