The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has strongly condemned and protested remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir about journalists, demanding that he withdraw his comments and publicly apologise within 24 hours. The organisation has warned of tougher programmes if its demand is not met.

At an event in Chawkbazar in Old Dhaka on Monday (October 26), the IGP reportedly said, “When journalists do not receive money from the drug trade, they write that the police are ineffective. Such reports are published in various national media outlets.”

In response, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel issued a statement on Monday, expressing strong objection to the remarks.

They said sweeping comments about journalists’ professionalism and integrity were contrary to the principles of independent journalism. Publishing reports on drug trafficking, crime, irregularities and corruption is part of journalists’ professional responsibilities, they said, adding that such remarks from someone holding the responsible position of IGP were unacceptable.

The statement further said that if any police officer has a complaint against a journalist, it should be addressed through legal procedures based on specific information and evidence.

Making broad negative comments about journalists, thereby undermining their professional dignity and public confidence in the media, is undesirable, the DRU leaders said.

The organisation demanded the immediate withdrawal of the IGP’s remarks and a public apology.

The DRU leaders warned that if the IGP failed to apologise within the next 24 hours, the organisation would announce tougher programmes to protect press freedom and the dignity of journalists.