|| Golam Mostofa, Sirajganj: Two educators in Tarash upazila on Thursday called for responsible journalism after a news report accused them of embezzling funds from KABIKHA projects, saying the allegations were baseless and damaging to their reputation.Speaking at a press conference at the residence of Prof. Abdul Kader in Tarash on Thursday morning, 16 July, the teachers said the report was published without verification and appeared timed to influence the upcoming local government elections.Prof. Abdul Kader, Assistant Professor of English at Tarash Degree College and a prospective chairman candidate for Baruhas Union, said he has no connection to the implementation of the KABIKHA projects mentioned in the report.  “I am contesting for chairman in Baruhas Union. My image in the union is clean. This false report was published to question that image among voters,” he said in his written statement.Md. Rafiqul Islam, Assistant Teacher at Manoharpur Government Primary School, raised concerns about the impact of such reporting on public trust.  “Journalists are the conscience of the nation. They have a responsible role in building the state. That is why journalism is called the fourth pillar. But when false news is published against teachers, it doesn’t just hurt the victims — the whole nation is disappointed,” he said.Leaders of the two project implementation committees also rejected the allegations.  Md. Abdus Sattar, President of Chakmirzapur Mosque Development Project Committee, and Md. Sakhawat Hossain, President of Manoharpur Eidgah Field Development Project Committee, said neither Prof. Kader nor Mr. Rafiqul was involved in their projects.  “We are implementing both projects with 100% work. There has been no embezzlement of money and no corruption of any kind. The report was published to damage their reputation,” they said.Also present were Md. Yasin Ali, Treasurer of Chakmirzapur Mosque Development Project Committee; Anwar Hossain, Treasurer of Manoharpur Eidgah Field Development Project Committee; Shahidullah Shahin, President of Manoharpur Ward BNP; and local journalists.Addressing the issue, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nusrat Jahan said she had personally inspected both the Chakmirzapur Mosque Development Project and the Manoharpur Eidgah Field Development Project.  “The quality of work is good. Some work is delayed due to rain,” she said.The teachers urged media outlets to verify information before publication and to avoid reports that could harm individuals’ professional and social standing without evidence.