‘Teachers and Other Professionals Cannot Work as Journalists’ Press Council Chairman

He made the remarks on Wednesday morning (October 21) during a discussion with local journalists at the Upazila Parishad hall in Tetulia, Panchagarh.

Justice Abdul Hakim described journalism as a distinct and responsible profession. He said journalists must collect information, verify facts, maintain impartiality and present accurate information to the public while following professional ethics and codes of conduct.

Referring to teachers, he said they receive salaries from the government and therefore cannot engage in another profession, including journalism. He added that journalism is not merely a title or an identity card, but a profession involving responsibility and discipline.

He also said there were allegations that people engaged in teaching, business and other occupations were using journalistic identities. Such dual professional roles could raise questions about the transparency and credibility of journalism, he added.

The meeting was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Anwar Hossain. Bangladesh Press Council Secretary and Joint Secretary Abdus Sabur and Tetulia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Laisur Rahman also spoke at the event.