PRESS RELEASE/21 APRIL 2025

DHAKA

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BJIM condemns police summoning journalist over corruption report

Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) expresses deep concern over a recent letter issued by the Bangladesh Police to a journalist following his report exposing alleged police bribery.
In the second week of April, Dhaka Metropolitan Police sent a letter to Mohiuddin Khan Rifat, Staff Reporter at Daily Jugantor, summoning him for “interrogation” in connection with his investigative report titled ‘Bribe an Open Secret’, published earlier last month.
The letter stated that “it is necessary to interrogate you in the interest of a fair investigation,” and instructed Rifat to appear at a police official’s office.
Such actions are deeply troubling and unacceptable. In any democratic society, journalists and their sources are protected under national and international laws. If a report is inaccurate or objectionable, the appropriate response is a formal rejoinder, not intimidation.
The Bangladesh Police should have adequate resources to investigate misconduct within its own ranks, especially when the report in question includes statements from police spokespersons.
This troubling pattern echoes the practices of the previous regime, during which press freedom faced severe suppression. We strongly condemn the ongoing harassment of journalists and the free press by law enforcement agencies.
BJIM urges the interim government to immediately investigate this unprofessional conduct and commit to upholding journalistic freedom in Bangladesh.
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On behalf of all BJIM members,

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SAM Jahan, Convener, BJIM

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Muktadir Rashid, Executive Member, BJIM​​