4-member committee formed to probe allegations against BSS MD Morshed, report due by 25 Feb
In a Facebook post yesterday, Morshed – who was appointed for a two-year term during the interim government – alleged that efforts were being made to remove him by creating a “mob” inside the office
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a four-member committee to investigate corruption allegations against the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Mahbub Morshed.
The committee has been instructed to submit a full report along with recommendations by 25 February.
According to an official statement published on the Facebook page of the Department of Information, the probe committee was constituted to review, in a neutral, transparent and fair manner, the allegations of corruption raised in various media reports against the BSS chief.
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An additional secretary of the ministry will serve as the head of the committee. Other members include the principal information officer of the Department of Information, the director general of the Department of Mass Communication, and a senior assistant secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, who will act as the member secretary.
In an official order, the ministry said the committee will thoroughly examine the allegations, take statements from relevant individuals, and conduct necessary inquiries before preparing its findings.
Earlier on 10 February, the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) demanded Morshed's immediate removal and trial, alleging unprofessional behaviour towards journalists.
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel submitted a memorandum to the information secretary, calling for his dismissal and a proper investigation into the corruption allegations.
Yesterday, following protests by journalists and employees, Morshed left the BSS office in Paltan. A section of journalists and staff declared him "unwanted" at the state-owned news agency's headquarters.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Morshed – who was appointed for a two-year term during the interim government – alleged that efforts were being made to remove him by creating a "mob" inside the office.
"Dear BNP, you have come to power, I am happy. I am serving as the MD and editor-in-chief of BSS under an appointment by the interim government," he wrote.
"Now, you may not want to keep me in this position. There are various accepted methods of terminating the contract and removing me."
He added, "Why are you trying to remove me by creating a mob, attacking, and locking up in the office instead of going that route?"
