Two young men arrested in connection with the murder of journalist Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir in Durgapur upazila of Netrokona have given confessional statements in court, admitting their involvement in the killing.
The suspects are Imran Islam alias Emon, 24, of Durgapur municipal town, and Md Sabbir Ahammed, 25, of Teribazar area in the same upazila.
A team from the detective branch (DB) of Netrokona district police arrested them early on Saturday from Dhanpur Bazar area of Bishwambharpur upazila in Sunamganj.
Police produced them before Durgapur chauki court on Sunday afternoon. After they admitted their involvement in the murder by providing confessional statements under Section 164, the court ordered them to be sent to jail.
Confession under Section 164
Khandakar Shaker Ahmed, officer-in-charge (OC) of Durgapur Police Station, confirmed the information and said no remand application was submitted as the arrestees provided confessional statements.
He noted that detailed information could not be disclosed immediately in the interest of the investigation, but the two suspects admitted their involvement in the murder under Section 164.
The officer-in-charge added that the information, names, and addresses mentioned by the suspects in their statements are currently being verified, and further legal action will be taken following consultations with higher authorities.
Police said both Emon and Sabbir face multiple cases related to murder and other crimes.
According to police, journalist Alif was previously attacked on 10 November last year. Emon was the main accused and Sabbir was another key accused in the case filed over that incident. Emon’s name subsequently surfaced during the investigation into Alif’s murder.
Background of the murder
Lutfuzzaman Fakir alias Alif Fakir was shot dead on the night of 15 October in Telanjia area, adjacent to Utrail Bazar on the Shyamganj-Birishiri road in Durgapur upazila.
The following day, his wife Khadija Akhtar alias Anandita Sangma filed a murder case as plaintiff at Durgapur Police Station against seven to eight unidentified persons.
The victim was the Netrokona correspondent for the private television channel Rooposhi Bangla. He also operated a social media Facebook page named “Detective Article,” where he reported on smuggling, crimes, and irregularities in border areas.
A total of four people have now been arrested in connection with the journalist Alif murder case. Earlier, police arrested Sajibul Islam alias Aporbo on 18 October, and Ashiqur Rahman alias Prangon on the night of 20 October.
Police said crucial information was obtained during their interrogation. Both were previously remanded in police custody by court order and are currently in jail.
