Khulna University (KU) authorities have issued a notice to a student journalist, seeking an explanation and supporting materials over a published news report, a move that has drawn criticism from journalists and press freedom advocates.
The notice was served to Md Mirajul Islam, a student of the History and Civilization Discipline who is the university correspondent of the Daily Kaler Kantho, alleging that he had distorted and misrepresented remarks made by the university's Vice-Chancellor in a news report.
According to university sources, the notice, signed by Director of Student Affairs Prof Dr Md Nazmus Sadath on June 10, reached the journalist on Sunday.
The office order referred to a report titled "Tree plantation at KU to implement Prime Minister's directive," published in Kaler Kantho on June 9. The report quoted the Vice-Chancellor as saying that Khulna University had been established as a recreational destination attracting many visitors because of the lack of entertainment facilities in the city.
The university administration claimed that the Vice-Chancellor's remarks were not presented accurately and that the essence of his statement had been distorted.
The notice asked Mirajul to submit the sources of information, relevant audio-video recordings and a written explanation within three working days.
It also warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation and supporting evidence within the stipulated time could lead to action under university regulations.
Mirajul Islam said he had published the report objectively as part of his professional duties and possessed the necessary evidence to support it.
"As a journalist, being directly asked to disclose my sources or submit audio recordings through a disciplinary notice amounts to interference in independent journalism and misuse of administrative authority," he said.
"If there are objections to the report, they should be communicated to my employer or the newspaper authority. Attempting to influence my academic life through a disciplinary notice is unjustified," he added.
Director of Student Affairs Prof Nazmus Sadath said the university authorities had instructed him to seek an explanation from the journalist regarding the report.
"We believe the report has somewhat harmed the image of the university. That is why we have also sent a letter to Kaler Kantho," he said.
Bangladesh Press Council Secretary Md Abdus Sabur said that under the council's regulations, responsibility for a published report does not rest solely with a correspondent, as editors and sub-editors are also involved in the publication process.
"If clarification regarding a report is required, the letter should be addressed to the newspaper concerned," he said.
Referring to the Press Council's Code of Conduct for Newspapers, News Agencies and Journalists (1993), Sabur said journalists are protected when information obtained from credible sources is published in good faith and in the public interest.
"If a report is objective, accurate and supported by sufficient evidence, such actions may be viewed as interference with media freedom," he added.
Meanwhile, the Khulna University Journalists' Association expressed deep concern and resentment over the notice.
In a statement, the organisation said journalists are not obligated to disclose their sources or submit audio recordings to administrative authorities and described the move as an attempt to create psychological pressure on campus reporters by exploiting their status as students.
The association demanded immediate withdrawal of the notice.