Dhaka, May 20 (V7N) — The Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) has strongly condemned and protested the police’s move to summon Muhammad Jahangir Alam, special correspondent of United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and former CRAB vice-president, as a witness in an investigation involving allegations against police personnel.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal and General Secretary MM Badshah, on behalf of the association's executive committee, criticized the action, calling it “unacceptable and a threat to independent journalism.”

The controversy stems from a letter sent by the traffic police to the Officer-in-Charge of Shahjahanpur Police Station, in which it was mentioned that a complaint had been lodged by one Md. Minar Hossain Fahim against DMP Sub-Inspector Mehedi Hasan Milon, Assistant Sub-Inspector Md. Shafirul Islam, and Constable Golam Mostafa. As part of the investigation, the police summoned journalist Jahangir Alam to appear before the complaint investigation officer and Assistant Police Commissioner Tania Sultana at the Mirpur Traffic Police Office at 10 AM on Tuesday (May 20), instructing him to bring his ID card, national identity card, and relevant evidence.

However, Alam clarified that he was not present at the scene of the incident and had merely heard the account from Fahim. He added that despite informing the police that he had no direct knowledge or evidence to contribute, a formal notice was still issued to him.

Alam further revealed that officials had previously contacted him twice, pressuring him to appear without any formal notice. “Today at 11:52 AM, I received a call from Shahjahanpur Police Station asking me to collect the letter in the evening — even though the time for appearance was set for 10 AM,” he said.

CRAB leaders expressed grave concern over the incident, stating that investigation committees formed following journalistic reports do not have the authority to summon reporters as if they were part of a legal tribunal. “They are not a court. This kind of pressure is inappropriate,” the statement read. “If necessary, law enforcement can seek information confidentially — not by publicly summoning journalists.”

Labeling the move as a threat to press freedom, CRAB leaders called on the authorities to immediately withdraw the notice, reiterating their stance on upholding the principles of a free and independent media.

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