DUJ expresses concern over Bangladesh Bank move seeking journalists’ bank details

The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) on Friday expressed grave concern over the central bank’s directive seeking bank account details of 11 journalist leaders.

This concern was expressed at a meeting of the Executive Council of the DUJ in the afternoon.

“DUJ thinks it is unprecedented and ill-motivated to summon bank accounts of the elected top leaders of a particular profession,” read a press release.

“This has created a scary atmosphere in the entire journalistic community and this incident is a threat to independent journalism,” observed the meeting.

DUJ has decided to exchange views with former and current journalist leaders next Sunday afternoon over the matter.

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

Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU)  of the Bangladesh Bank issued letters to the commercial banks asking for details of bank accounts of 11 journalist leaders last week.

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said journalist leaders have no reason to be worried about their bank account details sought by BFIU.

Speaking at the annual general meeting (AGM) of a faction of Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), the minister also said the government is trying to bring discipline in the mass media by removing various problems.

Also Read - Minister: No worries about bank account details of journalists

Dr Hasan said he tried to look into the matter after seeing a report in the newspaper on seeking bank account details of 11 journalist leaders by the BFIU.

"The government can of course seek bank account details of anybody for any reason. But I don't think there's any reason to be worried about it. I know those whose bank account details have been sought. I also know the financial condition of many of them,” he said.