The Press Club of India (PCI) has strongly condemned the comments made by Shafiqul Alam, the official spokesperson of the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s government, after he referred to reporters from India and abroad as “Western journalists and their Indian bootlicking counterparts.”
The remarks were posted on Facebook on November 11, 2025, following recent interviews of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina by several international media outlets.
In a formal statement issued on Tuesday, the PCI described Alam’s comments as “reprehensible,” noting that such language is unacceptable—particularly from someone who is himself a former journalist. The organisation emphasised that reporters from respected media houses were simply pursuing a legitimate news story, and labelling them as “bootlicking” undermines journalistic professionalism.
The Press Club of India has demanded a public apology from Alam, asserting that individuals in positions of responsibility must uphold dignity and respect in their public statements.
The statement was signed by Neeraj Thakur, Secretary General of the PCI.
