The Editors’ Council has expressed deep concern and protest over a statement made by the Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) regarding journalism.In a statement signed by President Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, editor of Bonik Barta, the council expressed its concerns yesterday.

At the same time, it described the association's remarks as an inappropriate and unreasonable response to free and impartial journalism. The council considers the statement of the police service association as an expression of indecent and irrational behaviour towards independent media and unbiased journalism.

The statement said several reports have been published in different media recently about the unusual assets of former and current high and low ranking police members of the country. The police service association has written a letter to the editors of all media outlets in the country expressing concern about this, which was later published in the form of news in various media outlets.

The letter sent by the police service association also requested all media outlets to refrain from publishing such reports in the interest of public safety and public order. The letter also requested to exercise more caution and follow journalistic principles properly in publishing any kind of report about the force in future.

The statement of the Editors’ Council said the media carries assessments of the good deeds of the police in the form of reports. At the same time, the media professionally investigates and discloses information of acquiring wealth through abuse of power, which is not consistent with known sources of income, while serving in a responsible position in the government. The relevant government agencies are also investigating these issues.

Police association denounces 'smear campaign' against officersPolice association denounces 'smear campaign' against officers

The Editors’ Council thinks that if there is any doubt about the responsibility of those who published the news, the concerned organization can approach the Press Council by following the proper rules and regulations. 

The council also thinks that the BPSA is engaging in the practice of trading blame and the letter is an expression of indecent, irrational and irresponsible behaviour towards independent media and unbiased journalistic practices.

The Editors’ Council also expected the cooperation of the police force in the continuous efforts of the media workers to implement the government’s policy against corruption in the future.