Minister’s ’off the record’ remark raises temper

Several journalist leaders on Wednesday came down hard on Home Minister Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir for his ‘off the record’ remark over the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi.

The incident happened during his meeting with the leaders of ‘Peshajibi Samannay Parishad’ (Professionals Coordination Council) at the Home Ministry where the minister was shedding light on the government’s efforts to crack the mystery over the murders.

Journalist leaders were among the leaders of the council.

At one point, the journalists protested a remark by the minister sparking a fiery debate in the meeting.

Junior Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku tried to calm down the situation. “Please forgive and forget… he (Home Minister) has described the incident normally… had he been strategic he would have never done that in such a manner,” he told the angry news persons.

The situation turned normal after Alamgir withdrew his remarks.

During the meeting, the council leaders raised with the minister their nine-point demand related to some recent issues, including immediate arrest of the killers of the slain journalists.

Alamgir then talked about several initiatives taken by the incumbent Awami League led government over the journalists’ murder and provided latest update on the investigation.

At one point, Alamgir blamed the family of the slain journalists for their 'lack of cooperation’ to resolve the murder case and asked the journalist leaders not to publish or advertise this anywhere.

Suddenly, Dhaka Union of Journalists general secretary Shaban Mahmud and other journalist leaders tried to intervene.

As soon as the minister completed his speech, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury told Alamgir,” We thank you for your announcement. But you are yet to give justice (to Sagar-Runi). You did not arrest the killers or even identify the murder motif.”

“You have talked about character assassination of my colleagues. I, on behalf of all the journalists, condemn and protest your comments. ”

He also urged Alamgir to withdraw his statement.

Refuting the remark made by the journalist leader, Alamgir said,” I have never indulged in character assassination.”

But the journalist leaders did not let Alamgir complete his statement.

At one point, he stood up and again tried to address them. But a huge hue and cry was raised as everyone present were also on their feet.

Alamgir then withdrew his statement.

Among the journalists’ leaders, BFUJ Secretary General Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan, and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Omar Faruk were present there.