The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has challenged the accuracy of a Reuters report titled “One killed in Bangladesh as Hindu protesters clash with police” published on November 27, 2024.
The report highlighted the tense situation surrounding the arrest and bail hearing of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON),
The Reuters article quoted Deputy Police Commissioner (South Division) Liaquat Ali Khan as saying, “A Muslim lawyer defending Das was killed amid protests outside the court [in Chattogram].”
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However, CMP has strongly denied this claim, asserting that neither Reuters nor its journalists contacted Liaquat Ali Khan for a statement.
In a statement released by CMP, the police clarified that Liaquat Ali Khan was actively deployed at the court premises to maintain law and order during the protests. At no point did he issue any statements to the media regarding the incident. The CMP further pointed out that four constables named Liaquat are employed within Chattogram, and none of them provided any remarks to Reuters.
The publication of unverified or fabricated statements attributed to an on-duty officer is a direct violation of journalistic ethics, the CMP said. They emphasized the need for media outlets to ensure accuracy and credibility before publishing sensitive reports, particularly when attributing quotes to law enforcement personnel.
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The Chattogram Metropolitan Police expressed hope that Reuters and other media organizations would adhere to ethical standards and verify information thoroughly in the future.