তারা বলে সম্ভব না, আমি বলি সম্ভাবনা The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has voiced concern over the recent reports that journalists and media in Bangladesh continue to be subjected to threats and harassment. “Nineteen journalists in the south-western district of Pirojpur presented themselves to the district police station on March 14, demanding protection from threats made against them by the district's ruling party, the Awami League, at a public rally the previous day,” said the Brussels-based media rights watchdog in a web article. It said the journalists were threatened with violence following their publication in local newspapers of critical reports about two parliament members. The reports alleged that two local politicians were involved in corruption and nepotism, and were subsequently republished in daily newspapers and news channels based in Dhaka. “It is alleged that members of the Awami League threatened the journalists that if they published critical reports about the two parliamentarians again they would be forced to leave the city or would be "chopped into pieces and buried," the article stated. Further to this incident, the IFJ associates in Bangladesh expressed concern over a notice issued to Ekushey Television (ETV) by the National Board of Revenue for failure to submit tax returns for three years. The private channel claims that it is yet to complete its financial audit for the years in question as it is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) of shares. This notice follows intervention by Bangladeshi authorities on March 12 to prevent ETV, and two other television channels, from broadcasting a speech by the leader of the opposition at a political rally. Friction between the media and the government (ruling party of Bangladesh) persists at the local and national levels, said the IFJ Asia-Pacific. “We call on the Government of Bangladesh to demonstrate greater tolerance of legitimate media criticism and to take action to ensure those politicians and public officials who intimidate journalists or the media in the performance of their duties are investigated and charged,” said the article titled 'IFJ Concerned by Intimidation and Harassment of Media in Bangladesh'. Established in 1926, the IFJ was re-launched in 1946 and again it took the present form in 1952. Today, the Federation represents around six lakh members in more than 100 countries. It promotes international action to defend press freedom and social justice through strong, free and independent trade unions of journalists whenever they are fighting for their industrial and professional rights and has established an International Safety Fund to provide humanitarian aid for journalists in need.