A viral Facebook audio clip allegedly featuring Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khondkar Mahmudul Hasan has triggered debate after he was heard making a disparaging remark about journalists. The clip spread on Monday, though its recording date could not be confirmed. Some local journalists described the alleged wording, which compared journalists’ growing numbers to goats, as insulting to their profession.

Journalists working in Satkania said concerns about professional standards, misuse of press identification cards or unqualified people using journalist identities can be discussed and criticised. However, they argued that comparing an entire professional group with an animal undermines the dignity of journalism. Satkania Press Club President Shahidul Islam Babor said an UNO should use more restrained language because cooperation between the administration and media is important for sharing public information.

Efforts were made to obtain Khondkar Mahmudul Hasan’s response, but no comment was available by the time of reporting. He was withdrawn from Satkania and assigned to Dhaka Division under an August 23 public administration ministry notification. He had joined as Satkania UNO on July 29, 2025.