Dhaka Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters鈥� Unity and Transparency International Bangladesh in separate statements condemned Bangladesh Bank鈥檚 decision of banning journalists鈥� entry into the central bank headquarters.
The DUJ in a statement on Saturday said that for 53 years reporters have been entering the central bank premises and collecting reports freely, sudden banning of entry into the central bank would create misunderstanding regarding the banking sector.
DUJ president Sohel Haider Chowdhury and general secretary Akhtar Hossain in the statement said that such a ban would raise the possibility of publishing wrong information due to lack of verification options.
They urged the BB governor to allow reporters in the central bank freely, which was happening during the last 53 years, as part of assisting independent journalism.
Acting president of Dhaka Reporters鈥� Unity Shafiqul Islam Shamim and general secretary Mohiuddin in the statement on Friday said that reporters had always been freely collecting information from the BB and publishing independent news.
鈥楽udden entry barriers are against independent journalism. As a result, there will be a risk of wrong reporting about the banking sector, which is not desired by any party,鈥� they said.
The DRU leaders demanded that journalists should be assisted in fulfilling their professional duties by ensuring unhindered access to the BB immediately.