Editorial
Another journalist killed
Insecurity of their lives touches a new low
Journalists are falling easy prey to machinations of vested quarters whenever the latter feel their interests are endangered. Lack of state protection on the ground level provides a sense of impunity to them.
Up until recently, seven electronic and print media journalists have been brutally murdered. Investigations have procrastinated, none arrested, far less charge-sheeted or convicted. That is the sequence of post-murder developments or lack of them making a mockery of law enforcement.
The latest in the series of journalist killings is Jamal Uddin, a correspondent of Jessore-based Bangla daily Gramer Kagoj, the eighth victim up to June 17 of the current year alone. The macabre fashion in which he was done to death reflects the degree of vengeance harboured against somebody who was merely doing his job -- unearthing a smuggling racket. Suspect Tota Miah who led a drug running syndicate kidnapped Jamal on the fateful night, carried out his hacking operation and made good his escape as they always do.
But then Jamal had filed a general diary with the OC of the local police station a few months back informing him that Tota made death threats for his writing on drug smuggling. In other words, the plot had been in the making for sometime -- under the very nose of the police and perhaps some local influentials. Whereas a ring of surveillance ought to have been thrown around him and the person/persons who held out a threat against him, it is perhaps the other way round that his vulnerability was taken full advantage of.
As we condole his death, express our heartfelt sympathy to the members of the bereaved family and share the solidarity expressed by the journalist communities, we urge the government to immediately haul up the culprits and their godfather, if any, and bring them to speedy justice. He has died a hero, may his soul rest in peace.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments