IFJ Asia-Pacific
Press Statement
Exposing police corruption gets Bangladeshi journalist arrested
16 Mar, 2017The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) express serious concern over the arrest of Binoy Krishna Mallik, the former vice-president of the Jessore Press Club and a rights activist in Bangladesh on March 13. The IFJ demands a fair probe and the end of harassment to Mallik.
Police arrested Mallik from his home eight hours after he held a press conference at Jessore Press Club where he raised an allegation of corruption and misuse of power by Superintendent of Police. The police claimed that he was arrested in connection with a case of fraud. He was produced in the court on March 14 where he was granted bail after a hearing. Journalists in Jessore have protested the arrest and held a demonstration protesting the misuse of powers by the police. Khairuzzaman Kamal, the General Secretary of BMSF also condemned the arrest.
The IFJ said: “The arrest of journalist and rights activist Binoy Krishna Mallik hours after he made allegations against a police officer is an ill-intended move to harass him. The IFJ demands an investigation into the case and immediate dropping of charges against Mallik.”
Written By
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