Journos need not worry

Journalist leaders do not need to be worried about Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit seeking their bank account details, said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud.

He made the statement while addressing the annual general meeting of the Dhaka Union of Journalists yesterday.

Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) sought bank details of 11 leaders of four top journalist organisations including the National Press Club.

The minister said bank statements of members of parliament, politicians and businessmen were sought and it was also his question why BFIU included journalist leaders in the list.

He tried to know about the matter in detail and thought that there was no need to be worried, he said.

"I know them and about their financial conditions. So, I do not think that they need to be worried," the minister said.

In the meeting, National Press Club President Farida Yesmin wanted to know why BFIU mentioned pro-Awami League and Pro-BNP beside the leaders' names and posts.

Drawing the attention of the information minister, journalist leader Manzurul Ahsan Bulbul asked why they sought bank statements only from the leaders of one particular professional group.