PEC Demands Probe into Bangladesh Journalist’s Murder

GUWAHATI, October 17, 2026 — The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety and rights body, has condemned the murder of Bangladeshi journalist Lutfuzzaman Fakir Alif and demanded a fair investigation into the killing.

Alif, 45, a Netrakona correspondent for internet protocol television channel Rupashi Bangla, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on October 15, according to local media reports cited by the PEC. The organisation urged Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure a credible investigation and legal action against those responsible.

Alif was known for investigative reporting on alleged corruption, irregularities and criminal activities involving influential individuals. He hailed from Sunai village in Kalmakanda upazila of Netrakona and is survived by his wife, two minor children and other family members.

“We demand a fair probe and necessary legal actions against the murderers,” PEC president Blaise Lempen said, noting that Alif had survived another attack in November 2025, whose perpetrators remain unidentified.

Lempen said Alif was the 56th media victim recorded worldwide by the organisation this year.

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

Thakuria also cited the killings of Jaganmohan Reddy of ABN Andhra Jyothy in India, Lala Israfil Khan of HUM News and Nazar Muhammad Kanrani in Pakistan, and four journalists in the Philippines since January 1, 2026.

The four Philippine journalists named by the PEC were Julio Calo of DNN News FM, RJ Nichole Ledesma of Paghimutad-Negros, Nestor Micator of Empire Radio Station and Adrian Loterte of RBN, Daraga.