Housing Authority restricting free access, journos allege

In a sudden move, National Housing Authority (NHA) has decided to restrict free access to journalists from Monday.

The decision came at a time when several reports against corrupt officials and employees of the agency have been published in newspapers.

When some print and electronic media journalists went to NHA yesterday, they were restricted by security guards. A fourth-grade employee of the agency asked for copies of assignment from the journalists before permitting them entrance.

The journalists were forced to wait for 30 minutes outside the main gate of NHA.

The employee also misbehaved with the journalists, said Moshiur Rahman Khan, staff reporter of Bangla daily Janakantha.

Many clients also faced difficulties to enter the building, said Moshiur, also president of Dhaka Utility Reporters Association.

However, National Housing Authority Secretary Mohammad Ullah claimed, “We have taken the decision to ensure proper service for the clients and to provide one-stop service.”

He said they will not restrict entry, but ID has to be shown and purpose of the visit has to be noted down in the official register book. He said they have arranged a room for journalists on the ground floor, where they will be provided necessary information and will be taken to respective officials when necessary.

Mohammad Ullah said they have taken the decision so that people can receive service in a disciplined environment.

He also said they will take necessary actions against the employee who misbehaved with the journalists.

City Development Journalist Association and Dhaka Utility Reporters Association in two separate statements condemned and protested NHA’s move.

President Amitosh Pal and General Secretary Matin Abdullah of City Development Journalist Association in their statement said this kind of restriction is against freedom of press.

Dhaka Utility Reporters Association President Moshiur Rahman and General Secretary Tofazzal Hossain Rubel demanded effective measures to ensure necessary atmosphere for freedom of press.