Moral journalism and the tradition of VVIP immunity

On the planet of journalism, integrity and transparency stand because the pillars of moral reporting. Nonetheless, a latest incident reported by vernacular tabloid Day by day Manabzamin in Bangladesh brings to mild the shadows that loom when these ideas are compromised. Based on Manabzamin report, on the night of Could 7, 2024 chaos erupted in Gulshan space in Dhaka metropolis, close to the workplace of the United Nations Excessive Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and few different diplomatic missions forsaking a path of unanswered questions and a obvious highlight on the abuse of VVIP privilege. This vernacular day by day’s report was based mostly on social media put up by a infamous anti-Bangladesh cyberterrorist who has been peddling disinformation for a few years. It might be additionally talked about right here that, Manabzamin has additionally been granting house to few different anti-Awami League components, together with BNP member and so-called journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who within the latest weeks has additionally been utilizing his presence on the US State Division and the United Nations focusing on India, ruling Bharatiya Janata Celebration and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ansarey succeeded in acquiring press accreditation playing cards from White Home, State Division and the UN by means of false declare of being “US Correspondent” of Simply Information regardless of the very fact, this information portal is based mostly in Washington DC with workplace at 1015 fifteenth St NW, Suite 600, Washington DC, 20005. Again in December 2001, when a group of Al Qaeda, led by Ayman al-Zawahiri visited Bangladesh being hosted by ultra-Islamist Bangladesh Nationalist Celebration (BNP), Ansarey was assigned by BNP’s chief and a convicted terrorist Tarique Rahman because the coordinator.

Within the report centering the incident, Manabzamin supplied “eyewitnesses” and corroborated by “a number of sources”, concerned a collision between a non-public automotive and a bicycle owner. What ensued was not only a mere site visitors altercation however a show of aggression and entitlement. Regardless of the readability of the occasions that transpired, the newspaper’s failure to reveal the identities concerned raises issues in regards to the integrity of this reportage, significantly when it’s based mostly on the “data” supplied by an anti-Bangladesh cyberterrorist on social media. Concealing essential particulars not solely undermines the credibility of the information but additionally deprives the readers of their proper to transparency. On the identical time, Manabzamin report might generate doubts within the minds of individuals considering, it too has revealed a baseless report with the ulterior motive of maligning the picture of a “VVIP” household.

Central to the Manabzamin narrative is the function of legislation enforcement, represented by Constable Morsalin, whose try to diffuse the scenario was met with violence. The assailant, recognized because the “grandson of a VVIP”, not solely assaulted Constable Morsalin but additionally reportedly tried to evade accountability with the help of his influential place. If the data supplied within the Manabzamin report is true, then folks might ask query about blatant misuse of energy that highlights the pervasive VVIP tradition that plagues society, the place people imagine themselves above the legislation.

Equally alarming is the response, or lack thereof, from the authorities. Regardless of the affirmation of the incident by eyewitnesses and nameless law enforcement officials, the official stance stays considered one of denial and silence. The failure of Gulshan Police Station to acknowledge the incident underscores the complicity that permits such misconduct to persist unchecked.

Furthermore, the aftermath of the altercation paints a grim image of disturbing impunity. The assailant, whisked away in autos following the intervention of members of Gulshan Police Station, faces no repercussions for his actions. In the meantime, Constable Morsalin, the alleged sufferer of the assault, is left incapacitated and sidelined from obligation, a casualty of the system’s incapability to guard those that uphold the legislation.

Past the rapid repercussions, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for transparency and accountability in governance. Influential figures within the ruling Awami League occasion of Bangladesh should not flip a blind eye to such flagrant abuses of energy inside its ranks. Silence within the face of injustice condones it, perpetuating a tradition of impunity that erodes the foundations of democracy and equality.

Moreover, the incident underscores a troubling pattern of media sycophancy in direction of highly effective elites, the place the pursuit of fact takes a backseat to preserving favorable relationships with these in positions of authority. The reluctance to carry the highly effective accountable not solely compromises journalistic integrity but additionally perpetuates a tradition of impunity that emboldens additional transgressions. When the media turns into complicit in shielding the privileged from scrutiny, it not solely betrays the general public belief but additionally contributes to the erosion of democratic values.

This reluctance to uphold the rule of legislation units a harmful precedent that will sow the seeds of political disaster sooner or later. By permitting VVIPs to function above the legislation, society dangers undermining the very foundations of justice, equality and even democracy. In a democracy, no particular person or entity ought to be resistant to accountability, no matter their stature or connections. Failure to handle such systemic points not solely fosters resentment and disillusionment among the many populace but additionally breeds a tradition of lawlessness that threatens the material of society. With out a agency dedication to upholding the rule of legislation, the seeds of discord and instability are sown, paving the best way for potential political upheaval within the days to return.

If Manabzamin report and narration in its had been false and baseless, acceptable measures ought to have been taken in opposition to this vernacular tabloid for operating or repeating propaganda. Previously, this newspaper has revealed variety of “studies” based mostly on propaganda circulated on social media. These days, the “report” in Manabzamin about Israeli aircrafts touchdown at Hazrat Shahjalal Worldwide Airport and downloading “unknown cargoes” was later dismissed by the authorities involved. However no authorized steps had been taken in opposition to this vernacular tabloid for cause unknown. Does it imply – Manabzamin additionally enjoys immunity and mustn’t comply with ethics of journalism whereas operating a mere gossip or rumor?

The occasions that unfolded on Could 7 make clear the intersection of moral journalism, abuse of privilege, and institutional accountability. A newspaper’s obligation extends past the dissemination of knowledge; it’s a guardian of fact and transparency. Likewise, these entrusted with energy should wield it responsibly, with the utmost respect for the rule of legislation and the rights of each citizen. Solely by means of collective condemnation and concerted motion can we dismantle the constructions that allow VVIP tradition to thrive, making certain a society the place justice prevails for all, no matter standing or affiliation.