ET Desk: The Bangladesh Rural journalists Union (BRJU) has strongly condemned the killing of journalist Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir, who was shot dead by assailants in Netrokona district. The organization has demanded the swift identification and arrest of those involved in the killing and the maximum punishment under the law. It has also called for necessary government assistance for the deceased journalist’s family and effective measures to ensure the safety of journalists across the country.
In a joint statement issued on Friday (October 16), BRJU President Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and Secretary General Sheikh Mohammad Tajul Islam expressed their deep concern and strong condemnation over the incident.
In the statement, the leaders said the shooting and killing of a journalist in such a brutal manner was a heinous and alarming incident. Such acts not only create fear among members of the journalist community but also raise serious questions about the law and order situation and the safety of media professionals.
They said the state has a responsibility to ensure that journalists do not become victims of violence while performing their professional duties or going about their daily activities.
The BRJU leaders noted that journalists work in the public interest by exposing irregularities, corruption, crime and various social injustices. Independent journalism plays a vital role in a democratic society. However, attacks and killings targeting journalists pose a serious threat to press freedom and the normal functioning of the media.
They warned that failure to ensure justice in such cases could further intensify insecurity among journalists and undermine their ability to work freely and independently.
The organization further demanded a transparent, impartial and thorough investigation into the killing of Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir to establish the motive behind the crime, identify those responsible and determine whether any other individuals were involved.
The BRJU leaders called on the relevant authorities to ensure that every person involved in the killing is identified and arrested without delay and brought to justice in accordance with the law. They also stressed that no offender should be allowed to evade justice by using political, social or other forms of influence.
Expressing concern over the devastating impact of the killing on the victim’s family, the leaders said the loss of a journalist could leave the family facing severe financial and social uncertainty. They urged the government and relevant authorities to provide necessary assistance to the bereaved family and take steps to safeguard their financial security and well-being.
The BRJU leaders also called on law enforcement agencies and the administration to strengthen security measures for journalists working in different parts of the country. They urged the authorities to take effective action to prevent attacks, torture and killings targeting media professionals and ensure swift justice in such cases.
Referring to killings that took place during the government of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leaders also demanded speedy justice for every such killing, stressing that accountability and the rule of law must be ensured without discrimination.
