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Demonstrators have held protests, human chains and rallies across districts, demanding justice for the killing of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin in Gazipur, swift trials for his assailants, and stronger safety measures for media workers.
On Saturday, protests have been held at Chandpur, Faridpur, Jamalpur, Madaripur, Naogaon, Rajbari, Rajshahi University, Satkhira, Narsingdi, and Mymensingh, among other places.
Journalists from print and electronic outlets joined the demonstrations, saying the killing reflected a long history of violence against reporters since the country’s independence.
If earlier journalist murders had been met with exemplary punishment, they said, Tuhin might not have been killed, reports bdnews24.com.
Protesters also demanded justice for the killings of other journalists, including Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Nahar Runi, and urged that Tuhin’s case be sent to a speedy trial tribunal. They called for the arrest not only of those directly involved but also of anyone who abetted the attackers.
Tuhin, 38, a staff reporter for Dainik Protidiner Kagoj, was hacked and had his throat slit in Chandna Chowrasta of Gazipur city around 8pm on Thursday. As of Saturday, police have apprehended seven people in connection with the killing.
He was from Bhatipara village in Mymensingh’s Fulbaria and lived with his wife and two sons in a rented apartment in Gazipur.
Basun police chief Shahin Khan said two cases had been filed -- one by Tuhin’s elder brother, Md Selim and another by the brother of Badsha Mia, who was injured in a separate attack before Tuhin’s killing. Both cases name unidentified suspects.
An autopsy was conducted on Friday at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital. After Friday prayers, Tuhin’s funeral was held at the Eidgah ground near where he was killed, followed by burial in his home village.