PEC Condemns Bangladesh Journalist’s Murder, Demands Fair Probe

GUWAHATI, October 24, 2026 — The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety and rights organisation, has condemned the murder of Bangladeshi journalist Lutfuzzaman Fakir Alif and called on the authorities in Dhaka to conduct a fair and credible investigation.

Reacting to local media reports that Alif was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Netrakona on October 15, the PEC urged Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

Alif, 45, worked as the Netrakona correspondent for the internet protocol television channel Rupashi Bangla. Known for his investigative reporting, he frequently covered corruption, irregularities and alleged criminal activities involving influential individuals, reportedly making him a target of hostility.

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 probe and necessary legal action against the murderers. Lutfuzzaman Fakir Alif faced another attack in November 2025 but survived. However, those responsible have yet to be identified, let alone punished,” said PEC president Blaise Lempen.

Lempen added that Alif was the 56th media victim recorded worldwide by the organisation in 2026.

PEC's South and Southeast Asia representative Nava Thakuria said Bangladesh had lost another journalist, Rana Pratap Bairagi of Dainik BD Khabar, who was killed nine months earlier.

Since January 1, 2026, India has recorded the murder of Jaganmohan Reddy of ABN AndhraJyothy, while Pakistan has reported the killings of Lala Israfil Khan of HUM News and Nazar Muhammad Kanrani, Thakuria said.

The Philippines has also witnessed the murders of four journalists during the same period: Julio Calo of DNN News FM, RJ Nichole Ledesma of Paghimutad-Negros, Nestor Micator of Empire Radio Station and Adrian Loterte of RBN, Daraga.

The PEC has called for accountability and effective legal action against those responsible for attacks on journalists.