The Press Club of India has strongly condemned the remarks made by Shafiqul Alam, spokesperson for the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh, after he referred to Indian journalists as “bootlicking counterparts” of Western media. Alam had used the phrase while reacting to interviews conducted by Indian and Western journalists with former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His comments, posted on social media, sparked outrage among India’s journalistic community.

The Press Club of India said the remarks were unacceptable, especially coming from someone who had previously worked as a journalist and was expected to uphold professional standards. The organisation said that Indian journalists were only performing their duty by engaging with key political figures and that labelling them with derogatory terms was unprofessional and uncalled for. It demanded a formal apology from Alam and stressed that such language harms the spirit of healthy cross-border journalistic cooperation.

The incident comes at a sensitive time in India-Bangladesh relations, where media interactions often influence public perception and political narratives. Analysts say that such remarks can create unnecessary friction and contribute to the growing concerns about press freedom and official intolerance in the region. Media bodies in India believe that mutual respect among journalists is crucial for maintaining democratic values and ensuring transparent information flow between neighbouring countries.

The Press Club’s statement adds pressure on Bangladesh’s interim administration to respond. Whether Alam retracts or clarifies his remarks may influence future exchanges between journalists of both nations. The episode also raises broader questions about the treatment of foreign media in Bangladesh and the responsibilities of government representatives when addressing the press. Overall, the controversy highlights the fragile nature of media diplomacy in South Asia, where a single comment from an official can escalate into a matter of professional integrity and bilateral sensitivity.