The Central Committee of the Bangladesh Professional Journalists Forum (BPJF) has strongly condemned and protested derogatory remarks made against journalists by Dr. Mizanur Rahman, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer of Tala in Satkhira. The organization has demanded a public explanation regarding his statement and called on him to express regret for his comments.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday morning (October 22), BPJF Central Committee Acting President Mahabub Alam Babu and General Secretary Md. Roman Akanda voiced their sharp protest.
In the statement, the leaders highlighted that Dr. Mizanur Rahman remarked about journalists, "Media personnel will go to hell the most." They stated that such a comment directed at the entire journalism community from a government officer and physician is unwanted, irresponsible, and a breach of professional etiquette.
They further expressed that if there are flaws or irregularities in journalism, criticisms can be made based on evidence and logic. However, belittling the entire journalistic community instead of addressing specific incidents or individual actions is completely unacceptable.
BPJF leaders emphasized that media and journalists play a crucial role in the public interest by exposing societal irregularities, corruption, and inconsistencies, thereby upholding accountability. Therefore, responsible individuals must maintain restraint, courtesy, and professional decorum when commenting on journalists.
The statement called upon Dr. Mizanur Rahman to publicly clarify his position and express regret. Furthermore, the leaders urged the relevant authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the context and validity of his remarks and take necessary administrative action.
Concluding the statement, they affirmed that truth cannot be suppressed by insulting journalists or silencing their voices. Everyone must play a responsible role in safeguarding freedom of expression, media freedom, and the professional dignity of journalists.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Own Correspondent, Dhaka, Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
