DUJ concerned over DMP summoning journalists for probe
Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has expressed grave concern above the summoning of at least 10 journalists by the Dhaka Metropolitan Law enforcement (DMP) after studies on a senior police officer’s immoral activities were published.
"The summoning of journalists in the pretext of investigation is inconsistent with the independent news move," said Quddus Afrad, president of the organisation, and Sajjad Alam Khan Topu, its general secretary, studies UNB.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DUJ leaders explained that couple of days ago a letter from the DMP had asked 10 journalists to seem at the scheduled time "for a proper investigation".
DUJ leaders feel that interrogating journalists during law enforcement investigations into crimes committed by policemen is against customary legislation and practice. This kind of letter is creating mental pressure on journalists.They demanded stopping such harassment.
The statement said that beneath the country's customary law, there is absolutely no rule that allows asking journalists the foundation of their information. Because, guarding the confidentiality of the foundation is recognised as part of the fundamental duty of a journalist.
Moreover, the work of journalists is to break the barrier of privacy and inform the general public of truthful and objective data, the statement said.
