Netrakona, Oct 18 (V7N) – Journalists in Netrakona held a human chain on Saturday, demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the killing of journalist Lutfuzzaman Fakir Alif and a fair trial.
The programme was held at 11am on the road in front of the Netrakona District Press Club, with journalists working for print, electronic and online media outlets across the district taking part.
Participants called for the swift identification and arrest of those responsible for Alif’s killing and urged authorities to bring them to justice under the law.
Speakers stressed the need to ensure journalists’ safety and establish accountability for attacks on media workers. They called on law enforcement agencies and the administration to conduct an impartial investigation, identify the actual perpetrators and bring them to trial without delay.
They said journalists serve the public interest by reporting on irregularities, corruption and criminal activities in society. The killing of a journalist while carrying out professional duties, they added, raises serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of media workers.
The speakers called for exemplary punishment to prevent similar attacks and ensure that journalists can perform their professional responsibilities without fear.
The human chain concluded with renewed demands for a prompt and impartial investigation, the immediate arrest of those involved and justice for Alif.
Meanwhile, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety and rights organisation, has condemned Alif’s killing and called for a credible investigation and legal action against those responsible.
According to local media reports, 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 bring the perpetrators to justice.
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