Murder of journalist ASM Hayat Uddin in Bagerhat has created intense anger,dissatisfaction and reactions in the journalist community across the country.

A high-level delegation of the Journalist Torture Prevention Cell Bangladesh is going to the scene next week to meet the family and colleagues of the slain journalist and learn about the progress of the investigation.

Initial information has revealed that the slain journalist ASM Hayat Uddin was working for the daily Bhorer Chetna newspaper. It has been alleged that he was killed in a planned manner. A murder case has been filed with the police station by the family of the deceased in this incident. The police have already started an investigation.
In a statement, the Journalist Torture Prevention Cell Bangladesh said, “If the safety of journalists is not ensured, independent journalism will be under extreme threat.” The organization has demanded a fair investigation into the murder in Bagerhat and speedy trial of the culprits.

In the wake of this incident, the organization’s head Md. Khairul Alam Rafiq (dainik pratidiner kagoj), Director (investigation) Gaurang Debnath Apu (Kaler Kantho), Director (operations and media) Azharul Haque (Prothom Alo), Director (services and media) Sohag Arefin (pratidiner kagoj) and unit head Rezaul Karim Reza along with other leaders and representatives.

Meanwhile, Bagerhat Press Club and local journalists have held a human chain and protest program in protest of the murder. From the human chain, journalist leaders have warned of strict programs against the journalist community across the country if speedy justice is not ensured.

Local administration said that the investigation is underway with utmost importance to uncover the reasons behind the murder and the operation has been intensified to arrest the criminals quickly.