A
What happened
The Press Club of India (PCI) issued a condemnation on November 11, 2025, regarding comments made by Shafiqul Alam, the spokesperson for the Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh government. Alam criticized journalists who interviewed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, labeling them as 'Western journalists and their Indian bootlicking counterparts' in a Facebook post. The PCI expressed that such remarks are particularly troubling coming from someone with a journalism background. They highlighted the importance of respecting media professionals who are engaged in legitimate news reporting. The PCI called for an apology from Alam, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue between government officials and the media.
★
Key insights
-
1
Media Relations: Tensions between journalists and government officials can undermine press freedom.
-
2
Public Accountability: Public figures should be held accountable for derogatory remarks about the media.
-
3
Role of Journalists: Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and should be respected.
Takeaways
The incident underscores the need for respectful communication between government representatives and the media, highlighting the importance of press freedom.