Geneva, Oct 18 (V7N) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety and rights organisation, has condemned the killing of Bangladeshi journalist Lutfuzzaman Fakir Alif and called for a fair investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

Reacting to local media reports that Alif was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Netrakona on October 15, the PEC urged Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure a credible investigation and legal action against the perpetrators.

Alif, 45, worked as the Netrakona correspondent for the internet-based television channel Rupashi Bangla. He was known for investigative reporting on alleged corruption, irregularities and criminal activities involving influential people, which reportedly made him a target of hostility.

A resident of Sunai village in Kalmakanda upazila of Netrakona, Alif is survived by his wife, two minor children and other family members.

“We demand a fair probe and necessary legal action against the murderers. Lutfuzzaman Fakir Alif faced another attack in November 2025, but survived. However, those culprits are yet to be identified, not to speak of punishment to them,” said Blaise Lempen, president of the PEC.

Lempen added that Alif was the 56th media worker killed worldwide this year, according to the organisation.

PEC representative for South and Southeast Asia Nava Thakuria said Bangladesh had lost another journalist, Rana Pratap Bairagi of Dainik BD Khabar, in a killing nine months earlier.

He also cited journalist killings in other Asian countries since January 2026. In India, journalist Jaganmohan Reddy of ABN Andhra Jyothy was killed, while Pakistan reported the killings of Lala Israfil Khan of HUM News and Nazar Muhammad Kanrani.

The Philippines also recorded the deaths of four journalists: Julio Calo of DNN News FM, RJ Nichole Ledesma of Paghimutad-Negros, Nestor Micator of Empire Radio Station and Adrian Loterte of RBN in Daraga.

The PEC called for accountability for attacks on journalists and effective measures to protect media workers from violence.

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