The Bangladesh Police Service Association's recent statement calling for "greater caution" in publishing reports about the police has been condemned by the Editors' Council as "a threat to free press".
The council, which represents newspaper editors in Bangladesh, argues that the association's approach "undermines" independent media and impartial journalism.
In a statement issued on Sunday, signed by President Mahfuz Anam and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, the Editors' Council described the police association statement as "indecent, unreasonable and irresponsible" towards a free press.
They believe the police association is resorting to "blanket criticism" in response to recent media reports on corruption allegations against senior police officers.
The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) also issued a statement on Sunday, expressing similar concerns. The DRU said some quarters are reacting to media reports on police corruption in ways that "stifle" independent journalism.
On Sunday, the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) too strongly condemned the Bangladesh Police Service Association's statement, describing it as "a threat to press freedom".
Editors' Council
The council believes the Bangladesh Police Association's recent statement is an example of "mutual blame-game".
The council considers the statement to be an expression of indecent, unreasonable and irresponsible behaviour towards independent media and impartial journalism.
The editors said the media reports on the good work of the police, but also investigates and publishes reports of corruption, such as gaining wealth through abuse of power while in office and living beyond known means.
"We believe that if there are any doubts about the responsibility of those who published such stories, the relevant organisation can complain to the Press Council of Bangladesh," the statement said.
"Instead of doing so, the media has been threatened with 'mutual accusations' through the statement, and a request to be more careful in publishing any kind of report about police in the future, which the council believes undermines the practice of independent media and impartial journalism," the editors added.
Dhaka Reporters' Unity
Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), a platform for reporters in Dhaka, also expressed deep concern about the Police Service Association's recent statement.
DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohi Uddin condemned "the language" used in response to news reports on alleged corruption by former and current police officers.
The DRU statement said such a reaction undermines independent journalism. DRU leaders said reports on the unusual wealth of some current and former government officials were not driven by any hidden agenda.
They stressed journalists' commitment to publishing responsible and factual news. "Journalists always strive to publish responsible and factual news," the statement said.
DRU reiterated that all information is important for the media, but investigative reporting on various issues is a core journalistic responsibility. "Journalists seek out facts and report them professionally."
The statement acknowledged that fact-based news, already published in various newspapers and television channels, is likely to provoke reactions. "It is natural that this news will be unwelcome to some."
Those named in such reports should focus on verifying the accuracy of the published information, rather than blaming the media.
"If an official is corrupt, it is a personal matter," the statement argued. "It is unfair for the police service association to blame the media. This could encourage further corruption. Blaming each other on these issues is illogical,"
"In the country's interest, journalists and police have been working together against corruption and irregularities for a long time, and they will continue to do so," the statement said.
The DRU urged everyone to refrain from making statements that undermine the environment for independent journalism.
The statement concluded by reminding everyone that the right to freedom of expression and independent journalism is enshrined in the Bangladesh constitution.
Transparency Internat-ional Bangladesh
Transparency Internat-ional Bangladesh (TIB) strongly condemned the recent statement by the Bangladesh Police Service Association on journalism and media.
A TIB statement issued on Sunday viewed the police statement as a threat to press freedom.
TIB said the police association's comments appear to be a deliberate attempt to hinder the exposure of corruption, particularly in recent cases of former top police officials who have amassed significant wealth, and to shield them.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman strongly criticised the police association statement, saying, "The police association's dismissal of recent corruption reports involving former officials raises a red flag. It is not unreasonable to suggest that such a statement by the police officers' association could indicate a systematic effort to shield those accused within the force."
"This statement by the country's law enforcement officers' association is a direct threat to press freedom and an attempt to suppress media freedom," Dr Iftekharuzzaman said.
"It is also a clear violation of citizens' constitutional right to access information. It would not be an exaggeration to say the police association is essentially trying to 'bury its head in the sand' by denying reality."
Dr Iftekharuzzaman criticised the police association's claim that reporting corruption tarnishes the police image.
He said media reports based on extensive investigations into corruption by former top police officials are being countered with the weak argument of tarnishing the police image.
This raises concerns about the police force's capability and integrity in tackling corruption, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said.
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