Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali yesterday categorically termed journalists “Khobish” which roughly means “disgusting” or “dirty” in Bangla.
The minister was addressing a discussion programme in Sylhet Municipality auditorium in the afternoon.
Journalists boycotted the programme protesting the derogatory remarks by the minister.
In his 40-minute speech, the minister also termed journalists non-graduated, non-educated and characterless.
Witnesses said minister Mohosin hurled disparaging words at journalists from the very beginning of his speech.
He also shouted at TV channel journalists present at the discussion and asked them to take away all TV cameras and microphones from the discussion table.
Pointing to the journalists, he said: “Go away from here. I am not here to see your [journalists’] faces.”
He said: “None of these [journalists] studied journalism. Only my daughter studied and completed post graduation in journalism.”
Criticising a national daily, the minister said: “It published fabricated news on my statement as I supported a better syllabus for Madrasa students.”
Terming journalists stupid, the angry minister said: “All are filthy, corrupt and stupid. You all know my in-law’s house is in Sylhet and on my order people of Sylhet will chase you out.”
“I will see how much you can do after the formation of independent broadcast commission,” Mohsin threatened journalists.
The minister drew huge criticism over his recent his comment over media coverage on Narayanganj seven murder incident.
Referring to the Narayanganj seven murder, he said: “Electronic media houses have been broadcasting the Narayanganj seven murders report to create unrest across the country. You saw that hundreds of people died at the Twin Tower incident in the US, but they aired it only for a few seconds.”
Prior to that comment, he also faced criticism by smoking on the stage during a reception programme for GPA holders.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
