Welcome to ShabbirAhammed.com. This Source Protection Policy explains how confidential information, anonymous sources, whistleblowers, and sensitive communications are handled by this website.

ShabbirAhammed.com is the personal website of Shabbir Ahammed, an independent investigative journalist, human rights advocate, programmer, web developer, software developer, and digital publisher based in Bangladesh.

Protecting confidential sources is a fundamental principle of responsible investigative journalism. Individuals who provide information in good faith and in the public interest deserve appropriate protection whenever possible.

Our Commitment

We recognize that investigative journalism often depends on individuals who are willing to provide important information regarding matters of public interest.

Where appropriate and legally permissible, we are committed to protecting the identity of confidential sources.

Our objective is to encourage responsible whistleblowing while maintaining professional journalistic standards.

Who May Be Considered a Confidential Source

A confidential source may include, but is not limited to:

• Whistleblowers
• Government employees
• Public officials
• Corporate employees
• Witnesses
• Victims
• Researchers
• Independent experts
• Individuals providing documentary evidence
• Members of the public sharing information in the public interest

Confidentiality may be granted only when appropriate under the circumstances.

Protection of Identity

When confidentiality has been agreed upon, reasonable efforts will be made to protect a source’s identity.

These efforts may include:

• Withholding names.
• Removing identifying details.
• Protecting contact information.
• Limiting internal access to submitted materials.
• Avoiding publication of unnecessary identifying information.

No guarantee can be made that confidentiality can be maintained under every circumstance, particularly where disclosure is required by applicable law or a valid court order.

Anonymous Sources

Anonymous sources may be used only when:

• The information is of significant public interest.
• The source faces a genuine risk of retaliation, intimidation, or harm.
• The information cannot reasonably be obtained through public sources.
• Reasonable efforts have been made to independently verify the information.

Anonymous sources are not used simply for convenience.

Verification Requirements

Information provided by confidential or anonymous sources is not automatically accepted as factual.

Before publication, reasonable efforts are made to:

• Verify the information independently.
• Review supporting documentation.
• Cross-check available evidence.
• Confirm key factual claims whenever possible.

Editorial decisions are based on the credibility of the information rather than the anonymity of the source.

Secure Communication

Individuals who wish to share sensitive information are encouraged to use appropriate communication methods.

While reasonable measures are taken to protect communications, internet-based communication cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Individuals should carefully consider the sensitivity of information before transmitting confidential materials electronically.

Submitted Documents

Documents submitted for journalistic review may include:

• Official records
• Internal documents
• Photographs
• Videos
• Audio recordings
• Emails
• Correspondence
• Research materials
• Other documentary evidence

Submission of documents does not guarantee publication.

All materials may be reviewed for authenticity, relevance, credibility, and public-interest value before editorial decisions are made.

Editorial Discretion

Receiving confidential information does not create an obligation to publish it.

Editorial decisions are based on factors including:

• Public interest
• Credibility
• Verification
• Legal considerations
• Ethical considerations
• Potential risks of publication

Information may be withheld if publication could cause unjustified harm or cannot be sufficiently verified.

Legal Considerations

Although we are committed to protecting confidential sources whenever possible, there may be exceptional circumstances where disclosure is required under applicable law or by a legally binding court order.

Where legally permitted, reasonable efforts will be made to inform the affected source before any required disclosure.

Protection Against Retaliation

We recognize that some individuals provide information at significant personal or professional risk.

Accordingly, we strive to minimize unnecessary disclosure that could expose confidential sources to retaliation or harm, consistent with our legal obligations and editorial responsibilities.

Good Faith Reporting

Individuals submitting information are expected to act honestly and in good faith.

Knowingly providing fabricated documents, false information, manipulated evidence, or misleading allegations may result in the information being rejected and may affect future communications.

Relationship With Other Policies

This Source Protection Policy should be read together with our:

• Editorial Policy
• Ethics Policy
• Fact-Checking Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer
• Terms & Conditions

These policies collectively govern how information is collected, verified, protected, and published.

Policy Updates

This Source Protection Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in applicable laws, journalistic standards, or operational practices.

The most recent version will always be published on this page with an updated Effective Date.

Contact

Questions regarding this Source Protection Policy may be submitted through the Contact page.

Individuals wishing to submit confidential information should clearly indicate if confidentiality is requested.

Last Updated: August 2026

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