The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Bangladeshi authorities to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation into the brutal murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin in Gazipur and ensure all perpetrators face justice.
Tuhin, a staff reporter for Bangla Dainik Protidiner Kagoj, was hacked to death by armed assailants around 8:00pm on August 7 while covering an incident, according to media reports and his newspaper.
“We condemn the killing of Bangladeshi journalist Tuhin, who was attacked while carrying out his work,” said CPJ Regional Director Beh Lih Yi. “Authorities must identify and prosecute everyone responsible for this brutal attack and take urgent, concrete measures to ensure journalists in Bangladesh can work freely and without fear.”
Tuhin had been filming a dispute between armed men and a civilian shortly before the attack. Police suspect he was targeted for recording the incident on his phone.
Witnesses said the assailants ordered Tuhin to delete the footage, but he refused and identified himself as a journalist. CCTV footage shows the attackers chasing Tuhin into a nearby tea stall before murdering him with machetes.
Police have arrested all 8 of the prime accused in connection with the killing. Gazipur police spokesperson Enamul Haque Sagor did not respond to CPJ’s emailed queries.
The killing marks the latest in a series of attacks against Bangladeshi journalists. Since 1992, 26 journalists have been killed in connection with their work in Bangladesh.
