A murder case has been filed over the killing of journalist Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir in Durgapur, Netrokona, while journalists staged separate human chains and protest rallies on Saturday, demanding the immediate arrest and trial of those responsible.
The victim’s wife, Anindita Sangma, filed the case with Durgapur Police Station on Friday night, accusing eight unidentified people, Officer-in-Charge Khandakar Shaker Ahmed confirmed.
According to police, Lutfuzzaman was shot dead at around 8:15pm on Thursday in Telunjia village under Birishiri Union of Durgapur upazila.
Two unidentified young men, who had reportedly been waiting at the spot, opened fire on him several times.
He was taken to Durgapur Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty physician declared him dead.
Journalists hold human chains, protest
On Saturday, local journalists formed a human chain in front of the Netrokona District Press Club at around 11:30am, demanding the swift arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the killing.
A separate human chain was held at around 12:30pm at the Press Club intersection in Durgapur town, organised by the Durgapur Press Club.
Journalists held a protest rally after the programme, reiterating their demand for the arrest and trial of the perpetrators.
Speaking at the programmes, journalists said the killing of Lutfuzzaman was a direct attack on independent and objective journalism.
They expressed concern that 40 hours after the killing, law enforcement agencies had yet to identify those responsible.
They warned that larger and more stringent protest programmes would be announced if the perpetrators were not identified and brought to justice immediately.
The journalists also expressed condolences to the bereaved family members and urged the administration to ensure their security.
Lutfuzzaman was a correspondent for the private internet protocol television (IPTV) channel Ruposhi Bangla. He also ran a Facebook page called “Detective Article”, where he wrote about various irregularities and criminal activities.
