Journalists protest in Bagerhat demanding justice for slain reporter Hayat

Journalists in Bagerhat formed a human chain today demanding justice for journalist SM Hayat Uddin, who was hacked to death in Harikhali of the district town yesterday.

Witnesses said more than 100 journalists from different outlets joined the protest organised by the Bagerhat Press Club around noon. Local BNP leaders, including former district president MA Salam and joint convener Sheikh Faridul Islam, also expressed solidarity.

Press Club President Md Kamruzzaman and General Secretary Torofdar Robiul Islam, among others, condemned the killing.

The journalists condemned the murder, saying, "The assailants have killed a reporter in broad daylight. Police have yet to arrest anyone."

"We strongly condemn those who committed this murder. We also strongly demand their arrest and that they be brought to justice," MA Salam told this correspondent.

"The law-enforcing agencies must provide the safety of journalists," he added.

Press Club President Kamruzzaman also expressed deep concern over the growing threats to local reporters.

"This killing has shocked the entire journalist community. Reporters are now afraid to work freely. We demand immediate arrest of the killers and strong legal measures to ensure the safety of journalists across the country," he said.

Hayat, a staff reporter for Vorer Chetona and an active BNP member, was attacked with sharp weapons at a tea stall near Harikhali Government Primary School yesterday evening. He was taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

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The victim, who had earlier contested unsuccessfully for the post of organising secretary in the Bagerhat municipal BNP committee, left behind his wife and two daughters.

Talking to this correspondent, his mother Hasina Begum alleged that the same group had attacked her son before.

Bagerhat Police Superintendent Md Asaduzzaman told this correspondent that, "We have primarily identified those involved in the killing. Drives are underway to arrest them. The family has not yet filed a case, but we will register it once a written complaint is lodged."

Mahmudul Hasan, officer-in-charge of Bagerhat Model Police Station, said Hayat's post-mortem examination was completed at Khulna Medical College Hospital. "The family may file a case after the burial," he added.