Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) has expressed concern over a legal notice sent to Channel 24 and its sports journalist Ashriq Rudro over a report on alleged irregularities in floodlight repair work at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The notice, issued on behalf of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Facilities Department Assistant Manager Md. Imran Hossain, disputes the allegations and the authenticity of a document cited in the report.

The report, aired in last week of August, alleged that Imran helped change the vendor for floodlight repair work during the previous Bangladesh Premier League.

It cited documents showing that the new vendor charged Tk 2,200 to clean each bulb, compared with Tk 600 charged by the previous vendor.

The report further alleged that Imran received a commission from the higher rate.

It also cited another document that allegedly showed more than Tk 100,000 was spent to procure the design and other documents of Purbachal National Cricket Ground for submission to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The legal notice demanded that Channel 24 and Rudro disclose the source of the documents, remove the report from all platforms and issue an unconditional apology within three working days.

It warned of legal action if the demands were not met.

BJIM said it was not taking a position on the allegations or the authenticity of the disputed document. But it said the demands were disproportionate and could have a chilling effect on public-interest journalism.

The organisation urged Imran to withdraw the demands and called on authorities to ensure that laws are not used to harass journalists through legal proceedings.