A district official's wrath against journalists

THIS appears to be an instance of arrogance, high-handedness and vindictiveness all rolled into one on the part of a topmost district functionary in Bogra. It may not be surprising but certainly happening in shocking regularity where journalists are facing harassment and intimidation in the line of duty, especially in the mufassil areas. The brunt may come from a political influential or a public functionary.

In the latest story the concerned district official had asked an officer in charge of a police station in writing to file cases against two journalists and a member of a local school managing committee. Their fault? They were allegedly instrumental in publishing a news item centred around the DC's visit to a government model primary school. The latter being agitated over a spelling mistake in a book hurled it in front of the students and teachers.

Of course, there was nothing wrong in pointing out a mistake, but certainly it could have been discreet given the fact that when the number one district functionary points something out it cannot but be taken seriously.

Moreover, what is important to note here is that if the DC had any question about the veracity of the story he could very well have taken it up with the concerned newspaper or issued a clarification or even moved to the press council for redress. All these options were very much with him. Indeed, he dubbed it as false news and that is more the reason why he should have come forward as a man of law to substantiate his point of view.

But it appears the DC has had a track record of vindictiveness. He had allegedly reacted to a Daily Star news item on his having asked some school teachers to buy six books authored by him failing which he ordered stoppage of salary payment to them. Actually, four cases were filed against few people including The Daily Star correspondent Hasibur Rahman Bilu. The Star reporter was even arrested but released in a short time.

The higher authorities in government should investigate the matter and take corrective action for the sake of a free and objective flow of information that benefits the government as it does the people.