BSSMU regrets harassment of Bangla Tribune journalist

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University authorities have expressed regret over an incident of harassment of a Bangla Tribune reporter.

The reporter was obstructed while carrying out her professional responsibilities.

The director of the university, Prof Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, made the remarks at a views exchange meeting of Bangladesh Health Reporters’ Forum on Tuesday and held out the assurance that action would be taken against those involved.

He said journalists were carrying out their duties amid the pandemic by publishing news and raising awareness among people.

He stated that the BSMMU authorities would assist all reporters in carrying out their duties, reports Bangla Tribune.

On Monday, Bangla Tribune reporter Jakia Ahmed went to the vaccination centre of BSMMU to observe the overall situation and talk to vaccine aspirants. However, a woman identifying herself as a team leader of the voluntary organization Red Crescent obstructed her and told her she needed permission from high-ups to take video footage at the centre.

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When Jakia met the Deputy Director of the university Dr Khorshed Alam, he also misbehaved with her and forced her out of the university premises.

However, when Director Prof Md Sharfuddin Ahmed was asked if there was any restriction on taking video footage and reporters carrying out professional duties, he said there was no such directive.

Bangladesh Health Reporters' Forum President Toufiq Maruf said relations between journalists and the BSSMU authorities had always been cordial.

Along with doctors, journalists had also been working from the frontline during the pandemic. He urged the BSMMU authorities to cooperate with journalists.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Sayef Uddin Ahmed, Proctor Professor Md Habibur Rahman Dulal, Director (Hospital) Brigadier General Dr Nazrul Islam and other officials of the university, and members of the forum including General Secretary Rashed Rabbi, Joint General Secretary Sebika Debnath and Treasurer Nesar Uddin were present.