GENEVA, OCTOBER 17: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety and rights organisation, has condemned the murder of a journalist in Bangladesh and called on authorities in Dhaka to conduct a fair investigation.
Reacting to local media reports that Lutfuzzaman Fakir 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.
Alif, 45, was the Netrakona correspondent of Rupashi Bangla, an internet protocol television (IPTV) channel. He was known for his investigative reporting on corruption, irregularities and criminal activities involving influential individuals, which reportedly made him enemies.
A native of Sunai village in Kalmakanda upazila of Netrakona district, Alif is survived by his wife, two minor children and other family members.
“We demand a fair investigation and necessary legal action against the perpetrators. Lutfuzzaman Fakir Alif had also survived an attack in November 2025. However, the culprits in that case remain unidentified, let alone punished,” said Blaise Lempen, president of the PEC (pressemblem.ch).
Lempen added that Alif was the 56th media worker to be killed worldwide this year.
Nava Thakuria, the PEC’s representative for South and Southeast Asia, said Bangladesh had lost another journalist, Rana Pratap Bairagi of Dainik BD Khabar, who was killed nine months ago.
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Neighbouring India has recorded the murder of Jaganmohan Reddy of ABN Andhra Jyothy, while Pakistan has reported the killings of Lala Israfil Khan of HUM News and Nazar Muhammad Kanrani since January 1, 2026.
The Philippines, meanwhile, has witnessed the killings of four journalists: Julio Calo of DNN News FM, RJ Nichole Ledesma of Paghimutad-Negros, Nestor Micator of Empire Radio Station and Adrian Loterte of RBN, Daraga.
(Nava Thakuria is a senior Indian journalist who contributes to various media outlets including print and digital platforms of India and across the world.)