Khulna University, June 15 -- Khulna University (KU) authorities have issued a notice to a student journalist, seeking an explanation and supporting materials over a published news report, a move that has drawn criticism from journalists and press freedom advocates.

The notice was served to Md Mirajul Islam, a student of the History and Civilization Discipline who is the university correspondent of the Daily Kaler Kantho, alleging that he had distorted and misrepresented remarks made by the university's Vice-Chancellor in a news report.

According to university sources, the notice, signed by Director of Student Affairs Prof Dr Md Nazmus Sadath on June 10, reached the journalist on Sunday.

The office order referred to a report titled "Tr...