‘Bring killers to book’

Numerous rights organisations, journalists' associations and political entities yesterday staged demonstration in the capital and other regions of the country protesting the murder of journalist Golam Rabbani Nadim.

They demanded immediate arrest, trial and punishment for those involved in the killing.

Besides, they also urged the authorities to ensure safety and security of journalists.

Bangladesh Chhatra Union formed a human chain near Raju Memorial Sculpture on Dhaka University campus demanding speedy trial of the culprits.

The organisation's President Ragib Nayeem, General Secretary Rakibul Rony and Organising Secretary Tamzid Haider Chanchol, among others, spoke at the event.

The speakers said they did not need a government that failed to ensure a journalist's security.

A section of journalists in Savar, under the banner of Ashulia Press Club, formed a human chain in Baipail area near Nabinagar-Chandra Highway.

Khagrachhari Journalists' Union also formed a human chain in front of the central Shaheed Minar of the district. Khagrachhari Press Club and Khagrachhari TV Journalists' Association expressed their solidarity.

Bangladesh Chhatra Union forms a human chain near Raju Memorial Sculpture on Dhaka University campus yesterday, protesting the murder of journalist Nadim. Many other rights organisations and journalists’ associations also protested the incident across the country. Photo: Star

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), in its statement, expressed grave concern and anger at the incident.

"Killing of Golam Rabbani is the latest example of repression and atrocity on journalists. The TIB is urging the government to create an example of goodwill in ensuring the protection of journalists by conducting a fair probe into the incident of Golam Rabbani killing and punishing the perpetrators who are directly and indirectly involved in the incident," the statement read.

Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation also released a statement in this connection.

The incidents of attacks on journalists and media have become so frequent that it is regrettable, the statement read.

Dhaka Union of Journalists President Omar Faruk and Secretary General Deep Azad, on behalf of their union, strongly protested and condemned the attack on Nadim and demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the killers.

The organisation will stage a demonstration at Jatiya Press Club today to press home their demand, they said.

The Law Reporters Forum (LRF) also protested the incident. LRF President Ashutosh Sarkar and General Secretary Ahammed Sarwar Hossain Bhuiyan urged the authorities to bring the attackers to book and ensure a fair trial.

Golam Rabbani Nadim, 42, a Jamalpur-based journalist, was attacked by unidentified miscreants in Bakshiganj Bazar area while he was returning home around 10:00pm on Wednesday.

His family members alleged that followers of Mahmudul Alam, chairman of Sadhurpara Union Parishad, carried out the attack.

Nadim breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital on Thursday.

He was the district correspondent of news portal banglanews24.com and Bakshiganj upazila correspondent of Ekattor TV.