BMSF apology demand has intensified after recent controversial actions by two Members of Parliament sparked widespread criticism among journalists and media organizations across Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Mofossol Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) and the Journalists’ Torture Prevention Committee, Bangladesh, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the recent conduct of Shariatpur-3 lawmaker and National Parliament Whip Miah Nur Uddin Ahmed Apu, along with Cumilla’s Nangalkot MP Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan.
In a joint statement issued to the media on Tuesday (12 May), BMSF Central Committee President and Trustee Board Chairman Ahmed Abu Jafar, General Secretary Lion Md Abul Hossain, and Journalists’ Torture Prevention Committee General Secretary Ali Azgor Imon condemned the incidents and called for responsible behavior from elected representatives toward journalists.
The leaders stated that Members of Parliament are lawmakers and public representatives, and therefore should maintain respectful and professional conduct when dealing with media workers. They described both incidents as “highly condemnable” and said the actions have deeply hurt the journalism community.
According to the statement, MP Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan allegedly behaved aggressively toward journalists in public and threatened them with job loss, saying they would not be able to continue journalism unless they followed his instructions. His remarks have triggered nationwide criticism over the past several days.
Meanwhile, MP Miah Nur Uddin Ahmed Apu came under fire after allegedly throwing a tissue box toward journalists during a public meeting on Monday. Videos and photos of the incident later circulated widely on social media, creating significant public backlash.
The organizations urged both MPs to issue public apologies, warning that such incidents could widen the gap between journalists and public representatives if left unresolved.
BMSF apology demand also emphasized that journalists continue to work on behalf of the public by exposing corruption, injustice, and irregularities in society. The leaders urged lawmakers to avoid arrogant or disrespectful behavior toward media professionals in the future.
