National Press Club criticises BB for seeking journalists' bank details

The management committee of the National Press Club has strongly criticised the initiative of Bangladesh Bank’s investigations into bank accounts of 11 senior journalists.

In a meeting of the committee, members said allegations can be investigated against any person but the move to launch a "sweeping decision against elected leaders of a particular professional" was motivated.

The move tarnishes the image of the entire journalist society and makes an organisation like the National Press Club questionable in an unprecedented manner, said a press release issued on Wednesday.

Also Read - BFIU opens probe into bank accounts of 11 senior journalists

The members also said it vehemently protested the move and demanded the withdrawal of the decision.

Earlier on Sunday, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has opened investigations into bank accounts of 11 senior journalists, including the National Press Club President Farida Yasmin and General Secretary Ilyas Khan.

The BFIU, the central agency that investigates money laundering and suspicious transactions, ordered all banks to send in financial information, including bank statements of the journalists.