DHAKA:Questions have been raised over the circulation of various allegations and comments on Facebook targeting several officials and employees of Bangladesh Railway, with concerned individuals calling for verification of the claims and appropriate action based on the findings.
Several recently published Facebook posts and photo cards have used the names and photographs of the Chief Controller of Stores of Bangladesh Railway and other officials while making allegations of irregularities, corruption and financial transactions. The posts have also made various claims concerning tenders, the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) system, the purchase and sale of spare parts, and the officials’ performance of their duties.
However, it remains unclear from the posts whether the allegations have been independently verified or whether any competent authority has confirmed their authenticity.
Concerns have also been raised that statements involving individuals are being circulated on social media without waiting for formal investigations or obtaining responses from the officials concerned. Those raising the concerns said such one-sided publicity could expose the officials and employees to social and professional harassment.
Experts say that allegations of serious wrongdoing against individuals or institutions should be published only after verifying the sources, relevant documents and factual basis of the claims. Presenting someone as guilty before an allegation is established could have a negative impact on the person’s dignity and professional reputation, they noted.
The concerned parties have called for an appropriate investigation if the allegations circulated on Facebook are found to have a factual basis, with action against those responsible in accordance with the findings.
On the other hand, if the allegations are found to be false or misleading, they have urged the relevant authorities to take necessary legal and administrative measures to prevent what they describe as deliberate misinformation or harassment.
The allegations circulating on social media could not be independently verified based on the information available in the posts.
