Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) has advised journalists in the city to remain cautious while moving around, especially at night, following a shooting targeting four journalists.
The police advisory came amid growing concerns among local journalists over their safety after unidentified assailants opened fire on the journalists near United Nations Children’s Park in Khulna city on Tuesday night.
The KMP urged journalists not to gather at locations without adequate security arrangements and to take extra precautions while travelling during late hours.
The four journalists targeted in the attack are Rakibul Islam Moti, Khulna bureau chief of SA TV; Rafiqul Islam Tutul, bureau chief of Star News; Awal Sheikh, Khulna chief of The Business Standard; and Syed Rana Kabir, bureau chief of Dainik Amader Shomoy.
They escaped unharmed as the bullets missed their targets.
Following the incident, the KMP expressed concern and launched efforts to identify who was the intended target among the four journalists and the motive behind the attack.
Police officials fear that as the initial attempt failed, the attackers may make another attempt to target the intended victim.
On Wednesday afternoon, KMP Commissioner, Detective Branch (DB) officials and other senior police officers held a meeting with journalists at Khulna Press Club.
During the meeting, police shared their concerns, sought cooperation from journalists and advised them on safety measures.
Police officials said the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), along with the DB, is working to uncover the motive behind the attack. They said the investigation is being treated as a priority considering the safety of journalists.
Police have collected CCTV footage from several locations near the scene of the incident.
However, investigators said identifying the attackers has been difficult as there was a power outage in the area at the time of the shooting. As a result, the footage has not revealed the motorcycle registration number or clear identities of the assailants.
Police said they are trying to collect additional footage from in front of the Shooting Club near the office of Dainik Janmabhumi, which they believe could help speed up the investigation.
Investigators are also analysing active mobile phone numbers in the area at the time of the attack to identify those involved.
