The former editor of Bhutan Observer, Needrup Zangpo, has appealed to the Journalists Association of Bhutan to help redress the cancellation of his appointment to the post of Media Attaché in the Prime Minister’s office.
“…I have been lately humiliated and belittled by the Cabinet of the Royal Government of Bhutan,” reads the letter.
The appeal letter says his appointment to the post of Media Attaché, which he earned through a rigorous process of application, interview and selection, has been cancelled under dubious circumstances.
Needrup Zangpo had applied for the post of Media Attaché in Prime Minister’s Office in July following a vacancy announcement in the media. “The cancellation came after a month of waiting,” says the letter.
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The letter says, he received an email, which said his appointment to the post has been cancelled since there has been some other development at the cabinet and the office was transferring someone from Ministry of Information and Communications. “The decision, to bring anyone on transfer, should have been taken before announcing the vacancy…” states the letter.
The General Secretary of the Journalists Association of Bhutan says the decision from the concern authority is unfair. He said a senior journalist like Needrup Zangpo would have ensured greater access to information, especially from the highest level of the government. “But we are shocked to hear that Needrup Zangpo’s appointment has been cancelled, that too, under questionable circumstances…”
Kinley Tshering says JAB doesn’t know the reason for cancellation. “We hope the Cabinet has strong reasons.”
He also says Needrup Zangpo being a member of the association, JAB will seek explanation from the Cabinet or from relevant agencies for their unfair treatment.
The office of the Cabinet refused to comment.
