BSS controversy

In light of the fact that the story has been strongly refuted by the named parties, we feel that it is incumbent on BSS to now come out and explain the basis for its story, which was carried by no Indian publication, and the reason it is standing by the story despite the unequivocal denial of the individuals involved.

The BSS account leaves many questions which remain unanswered. For instance, when exactly did the meeting in question take place and why? What was the basis for the story and what steps did BSS take to confirm its accuracy? Did it check with the Indian foreign ministry or the defence minister himself or indeed Sajib Wazed Joy, before publication?

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The facts of the matter are easy to determine. Sajib Wazed Joy has since stated that he has not even been to India in ten years. This is easily verifiable, and if found true, would deal a devastating blow to the credibility of the BSS report, and cast the news agency in a very unfavourable light.

Pending BSS clarification, the government should itself look into the matter. It is an important matter when a national news agency publishes this kind of potentially explosive story that calls into question relations with a foreign country, especially if the account is inaccurate. The government has a duty to get to the bottom of this and find out how and why such a potentially destabilising report was published.

This is the first time that the national news agency has become embroiled in such controversy, and the publication of the report threatens to create the unfortunate impression that it is operating more as a state propaganda organ than as a news service.

If the BSS story is correct, then it should have no difficulty in establishing this. If, however, BSS is unable to substantiate its hotly contested account, then it must leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of who was responsible for the report being published and for what purpose.