NARAYANGANJ : Journalists in Narayanganj staged a protest rally demanding justice for Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir, district correspondent of private television channel Ruposhi Bangla, who was shot dead in Durgapur upazila of Netrokona.
The rally was organised by Fatullah Press Club in front of its office on the old Dhaka-Narayanganj road around noon on Saturday. Members of the club and journalist leaders from different media organisations in Narayanganj took part in the programme.
The protesters demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the killing, the identification and prompt arrest of those involved, and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.
According to a press release, the incident took place on Thursday night, October 15, in the Utrail Bazar area on the Shamganj-Birishiri road under Durgapur municipality in Netrokona. Quoting local sources, the release said two youths riding a motorcycle opened fire on Alif Fakir before fleeing the scene.
The killing has sparked fresh concerns over the safety and security of journalists in the country. Journalists face growing concerns about their safety while reporting on crime, irregularities and issues of public interest.
The protest rally was presided over by Abdur Rahim, president of Fatullah Press Club, and conducted by the club’s general secretary, Niaz Mohammad Masum.
Speakers included Md. Mahfuz Zahid, general secretary of Bandar Press Club; Kabirul Islam, editor of the daily Ujjibito Bangladesh; and journalists Farid Ahmed Badhon, Rafiqullah Ripon, Manjur Rahman Bakul and Mamunur Rashid Munna of the daily Jugের Chinta.
Among others present were Md. Selim Munshi and Piar Chan, vice-presidents of Fatullah Press Club; Sohel Mahmud, general secretary of Fatullah Reporters Unity; Abdul Alim Liton, organising secretary of Fatullah Press Club; Md. Selim Hossain, publicity secretary; Sumon, office secretary; Md. Sohel Rana; and P. M. Aziz.
The speakers expressed deep concern over the killing and called for a thorough investigation and swift legal action against those responsible. They also urged the authorities to ensure journalists’ safety and create a secure environment in which they can perform their professional duties without fear or intimidation.
