Media manipulation

The concocted story and tailored image shown recently on London based television channel Bangla TV as that of Tarique Rahman being tortured on remand is but a vulgar attempt at maligning the government and the judicial system of the country not to mention the noble profession of journalism. The crudity of the whole episode speaks loudly of how low the perpetrators can stoop in their desperation to attain a political objective. It was devoid of truth and ethical standards that journalists must abide by in their professional work. The media world at home and abroad join hands to condemn the act with the strongest of words.
It is now widely known that the tailored photograph is actually that of a petty thief of Bogra taken one year back by a local photographer of The Daily Star. After doing necessary changes by Tarique Rahman's supporters it was shown on the London based TV channel as that of him in custody being tortured. The baseless news and the image have also been uploaded in some websites in a bid to generate sympathy for the jailed leader.
By resorting to such a contemptible trick the cohorts of Tarique Rahman have exposed their outrageous intentions and let the world know what they are capable of doing if given the opportunity. Thankfully, with the publication of the original photograph things have been put in their true perspective and the people of Bangladesh are now able to see through their machination.
We consider the odious act conspired by some 'journalists' as an aspersion on the good name and credibility of the entire media community and we once again condemn it in one voice. The media professionals must realise that unethical behaviour of any body pertaining to the media casts aspersion on all of us, both in print and in the electronic media. This may also be used by those who are quick to find any abuse in the media as an excuse to justify restrictions on it. We must guard against both -- media's abuse and attempts to restrict it.
On both counts the whole society, and media professionals particularly, must condemn this episode.