Editors Council expresses concern over journalists’ bank account probe

The Editors Council (Sampadak Parishad) has expressed concerns over the probe into bank accounts of 11 senior journalists.

In a media release on Thursday, the council said it thinks that under the existing law, allegations against an individual can be investigated. But an investigation into bank accounts of 11 senior journalists seems purposeful, which has never happened in any profession in the past.

Also Read - National Press Club criticises BB for seeking journalists' bank details

Such incidents are considered as pressure and threat to the profession of independent journalism, it added.

On Sunday, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) opened investigations into bank accounts of several 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.