Misleading news published by the North East News portal

The following is the blatantly false, misleading, and irresponsible news published by the North East News portal under the headline concerning Mr. Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh. The report, based on half-truths, deliberate omissions, and insinuations, stands as a glaring example of yellow journalism that undermines professional ethics and damages the integrity of cross-border media relations.

The news follows:

Seven days after his 17-day leave, including a visit to the United States, expired, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Special Assistant to Bangladesh interim regime Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus is yet to rejoin work, setting off speculations whether he will at all rejoin work or not.

Chowdhury’s absence has raised the hackles of the country’s political leadership and security apparatus even as there is complete on the part of the Home Ministry that is led by Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury who had handpicked the former inspector general of police.

The Home Ministry has not issued any order indicating that Chowdhury, who enjoys the rank of a minister, extended his leave.

Official documents accessed Northeast News show that Chowdhury applied for leave in the second week of September. Subsequently, on September 15, the Bangladesh Home Ministry issued a notification that the government had approved the “ex-Bangladesh leave in favour of Mohammad Khuda Baksh Chowdhury” and that he would “visit” Austin, Texas, from October 24 to November 9.

Chowdhury would travel on diplomatic passport number D00017417.

During the period he was to be on leave, Chowdhury would “draw his pay and allowances in local (Bangladeshi) currency” and that “no part of it should be drawn in foreign currency”.

The official order said that Chowdhury would bear all expenses related to the visit. Chowdhury’s spouse Fayzun Nessa Begum, who holds Bangladeshi passport (number A12131536) would also accompany him to the US.

But now, a week after he was scheduled to rejoin work at the secretariat, Chowdhury, who previously served as the senior police adviser at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan between June 2008 and April 2010 and was moved as Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General on October 31, 2006.

On November 2, 2006, he was promoted as an inspector general of police. Chowdhury took voluntary retirement in 2009.

After his appointment as Special Adviser to Yunus on November 10, 2024, Chowdhury was drafted to the Home Ministry to work alongside Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

The above story deliberately highlights every detail regarding the approval of Mr. Chowdhury’s ex-Bangladesh leave, including the dates, destinations, travel arrangements, and official notifications, yet intentionally suppresses the most crucial fact: Mr. Chowdhury returned to Bangladesh on time, reported to his ministry as scheduled, and has been regularly performing his duties at the Home Ministry ever since. This omission is not accidental; it is a calculated act designed to give readers the false impression that he had abandoned his assignment and was unlikely to return to Bangladesh.

Such distortion of facts is not journalism—this is manufactured sensationalism aimed at creating confusion, damaging reputations, and provoking unnecessary speculation. It is deeply regrettable that a media outlet from a neighbouring country, with whom Bangladesh shares longstanding historical and cultural bonds, would resort to publishing concocted and frivolous allegations that serve no purpose other than spreading misinformation.

Bangladesh is home to a vibrant and responsible media landscape. Despite hosting hundreds of newspapers and news portals, no Bangladeshi outlet publishes such trivial, baseless, or malicious reports about officials of any neighbouring state. It is unfortunate and shameful that this portal chose to disregard these basic standards of dignity and credibility.

The tone of the story insinuates wrongdoing where none exists. By withholding the vital information about his punctual return and continued service, the article attempts to malign a former Inspector General of Police and senior government official. This not only harms his personal reputation but also risks creating unnecessary tensions and misunderstandings between institutions across borders.

The report circulating about Special Assistant Khuda Baksh Chowdhury refusing to return to work is misleading and speculative. There is no official confirmation from the interim government, the Cabinet Division, or the Home Ministry supporting the claim that he has overstayed his approved leave or that his return is in question. The story is based largely on conjecture, not verified facts.

Such journalism is harmful, unprofessional, and unbecoming of any credible news organization. This reporting has done more harm than good, eroding trust and undermining the very foundations of ethical news dissemination.

North East News immediately retracts the false report, issues a formal correction, and offers an unconditional apology for publishing misleading information with malicious intent.

It is expected that in the future, the portal will uphold the principles of responsible reporting, verify facts thoroughly, and refrain from publishing content that is defamatory, sensationalist, and detrimental to good relations between our peoples and institutions.