EC deputy secy withdrawn over journo beating

The public administration ministry yesterday withdrew one of its officers Abdul Bari, who had been working as a deputy director in a project of the Election Commission, for allegedly assaulting two journalists.

Bari, a deputy secretary, was attached to the ministry, said a ministry circular.

Two journalists of Channel 24 were assaulted by staff of the EC's National Identity (NID) Registration Wing in the capital on August 19.

Reporter GM Mostafizul Alam and videographer Ripu Ahmed said they were attacked at the direction of Bari.

Bari, who had been working as a deputy director of the EC's Identification System for Enhancing Access to Services project, claimed that the journalists went there without permission. 

A day later, EC Secretary Sirazul Islam requested the public administration ministry to withdraw him.

Besides, Director General of the NID wing Brig Gen Sultanuzzaman Md Saleh Uddin formed a three-member probe body to investigate the allegation.

The investigation committee submitted its report on Monday, recommending formation of another high-powered body, said a member seeking anonymity.