Take action against the corrupt, rather than suing journalists: Hanif

The nation will benefit if strict actions are taken against corrupt people, instead of filing lawsuits against journalists, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, joint secretary general of Awami League, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. 

When asked about the post later, the Kushtia-3 lawmaker condemned the series of incidents associated with journalist Rozina Islam, reports Prothom Alo. 

He said, "It is not desirable that the government's image will be tarnished for any ministry official or any individual. We want every ministry to work transparently, to move forward with a view to implementing the prime minister's plan for the country. Let the country move forward, let the image of the government be brighter."

He described the incident that happened to Rozina in the Secretariat as very sad, unwelcomed and undesirable and strongly condemned it. 

Terming media as the mirror of society, Hanif said people get accurate information because of the media. It also acts as a supporting force for the government. It is preferable to have good relations between the government and the media. 

But sometimes it is seen that corrupt people create problems in this sphere. 

Rozina Islam was detained for allegedly taking snapshots of an official document at the Secretariat without due permission.

Hours after detention, a case was filed against her under the Official Secrets Act. Later, a Dhaka court sent him to jail on Tuesday. 

Health Services Division Deputy Secretary Sibbir Ahmed Osmani filed the case with Shahbagh police station on Monday midnight.