DRU alleges ‘deep state’ meddling in Sagar-Runi probe

Journalist leaders have expressed deep resentment over the prolonged delay in the Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi murder case, alleging that "deep state" influence and investigative negligence have stalled justice for 14 years.

Speaking at a protest rally on the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) premises on Monday, speakers alleged that the truth about the double murder has been suppressed since 2012.

"The authorities promised progress within 48 hours of the murders, but 14 years later, nothing has materialised," said journalist Harun Ur Rashid Swapan.

"There are suspicions that a powerful group behind the curtain has manipulated this case. Both the previous government and subsequent administrations have attempted to hush it up," he said.

Former DRU General Secretary Raju Ahmed highlighted the unprecedented procedural delays, noting that the deadline for submitting the investigation report has been deferred 123 times.

"It is high time to scrutinise why the investigation was handed over to RAB in the first place," he added.

DRU President Saleh Ahmed observed that the initial unity among journalists has weakened over the years, a lapse he believes was exploited by certain quarters.

He called for a renewed, united movement among professional organisations to demand accountability.

DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel warned that the safety of all journalists remains at risk as long as this case remains unsolved.

"The journalist community is outraged. If this murder goes unpunished, no one in this profession will be safe in the future," he said.

Sagar, news editor at Maasranga TV, and his wife Runi, a senior reporter at ATN Bangla, were brutally murdered in their West Rajabazar apartment on Feb 11, 2012.

Despite the passage of over a decade, the investigation report has yet to be submitted, preventing the formal trial process from even beginning.