DRU condemns dissemination of questionable information against journalists

A few journalists took unethical advantage from a system analyst of the Technical Education Board who was arrested on charges of trading in certificates — a video of the oral statement is being circulated on various social media. Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) condemned and protested the dissemination of such questionable information. At the same time, the leaders of the organization also demanded to reveal the real facts through a fair investigation. Acting President Shafiqul Islam Shamim and General Secretary Mohi Uddin issued this condemnation and demand in a joint statement on behalf of the DRU Executive Committee on Friday.

According to the statement, the controversial statement made by a person in police custody on corruption charges against some journalists is unethical, deliberate and in violation of the law. The DRU called for a fair investigation to bring the allegations to justice if there is evidence to support them.

The leader of the organization said that Dhaka Reporters Unity believes in zero tolerance policy against any kind of illegal activities including illegal financial transactions. As it is not the job of the organization to protect a member of the organization if he commits an illegal act, the DRU leader feels that it is a bad mentality to embarrass the media workers to publish one’s verbal statement on social media before completing the investigation and proving him guilty in the trial.

Apart from this, the leaders said that along with the withdrawal of the controversial audio-video content from the social media, the real culprits will be brought to justice through a fair investigation. Besides, they urged everyone to be vigilant so that no one can make controversy in the journalist society by capitalizing on the situation.