Taiyeb dismisses rumours of his involvement in detention of journalist Mizanur
The rumours linked him with the detention citing his involvement in the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR)
There have been rumours circulating on social media alleging the involvement of Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, in the detention of Bhorer Kagoj Head of Online Mizanur Rahman Sohel.
However, the ministry issued a press statement today (19 November) dismissing the claims citing them as baseless and politically motivated.
The rumours linked him with the detention citing his involvement in the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR). He condemned these claims as deliberate distortions of facts.
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Taiyeb said, "We are implementing NEIR in the interest of national discipline and security. BTRC has even held meetings with concerned parties to curb the use of illegal handsets."
"Despite this, certain online news portals intentionally tried to blame me based on a Facebook post. Law-enforcement agencies perform their duties independently," he added.
He added that a vested group, failing to obtain personal favours from him, has resorted to such smear campaigns.
Taiyeb also clarified that he has no personal or professional connection with journalist Mizanur. "Even then, such propaganda undermines freedom of expression," he stated.
He further noted that spreading false information creates confusion among the public and expressed hope that people would no longer be misled by such unfounded claims.
Upon further inquiry, it was learned that the journalist had been released and safely taken home after questioning.
Earlier in a Facebook post, it has been alleged by journalist Zulkarnain Saer that Mizanur was detained because he was helping mobile phone traders organise a press conference regarding the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), which they claim will hurt the industry.
Saer said, "It has been alleged; Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, a Dutch citizen and special assistant to Chief Adviser of the Interim Govt, is preparing to initiate National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), under the instigation of a particular syndicate, without any discussion with the general smartphone sellers, retailers and without considering their potential business losses."
"In an attempt to draw the government's attention to their demands and shape public opinion, the smartphone sellers and related business traders organized a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity tomorrow, Wednesday.
"Mizanur Rahman Sohel, in his capacity as a media professional, was advising the organizers of the press conference. The organizers claim that this action—to disrupt the press conference and intimidate the businesspeople—was carried out at the behest of Faiz Taiyeb," alleged Saer.
Mizanur Rahman Sohel was picked up by the Detective Branch (DB) of police around 3am today (19 November).
Later, around 10:15am today, he was released into the custody of his wife Sumaiya Seema.
