Barishal City Corporation has issued an order, prohibiting its officials from providing any information to the media, individuals, or organisations on matters related to the city corporation.
The directive, signed by BCC chief executive officer Rezaul Bari, was released on November 12.
According to the order, only the BCC administrator and the chief executive officer are authorised to share information. Violators of this directive will face legal action under existing employment regulations.
The notice also stated that anyone, seeking information, had to apply through the formal process outlined in the Right to Information Act.
The order has sparked outrage among media workers in Barishal, who argue that it restricted citizens鈥� access to services and had intimidated BCC officials, making them hesitant to communicate on any issue.
Rezaul Bari could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts.
鈥楾his is a completely illegal order and needs to be reconsidered,鈥� said Khalid Saifullah, secretary of Barishal Reporters Unity.