To brand the country as a failed state, these 'criminals' are engaged in creating frustration among people and image crisis outside the country, said a statement of Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad that was launched at the National Press Club in the city yesterday.

Mahmudur Rahman, president of the body, said the country has made tremendous progress in different sectors, but the 'vested quarters' want to undermine the achievements of the nation. He, however, did not mention any specific name.

"So, as professionals, our responsibility is to focus on the real picture of development of the nation and analyse them both at home and abroad," Mahmudur Rahman, who has been in the centre of controversy after filing defamation case against five eminent citizens recently.

He said, "It is time that we made a decision whether we would try to increase investment in the country or make projects to draw fund."

Without mentioning any name, Mahmudur Rahman said a newspaper has tarnished his image by writing about his personal matters.

"They claim themselves the initiators of the civil society, but the slang language they used defeats the tabloid magazine," he said.

He said the newly formed body would help improve the professional excellence of the professionals and make specific plans in future.

Journalists' leaders Gias Kamal Chowdhury and Ruhul Amin Gazi, Zaved Iqbal of Agriculturists Association of Bangladesh, teacher leaders M Shafiqul Islam, Principal Selim Bhuiyan and Dhaka University Professor Aminur Rahman were also present.