Journalist Nadim’s killers must face justice
In a shocking incident that highlights the dangers faced by journalists in Bangladesh, Golam Rabbani Nadim, a 42-year-old journalist, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. Nadim had been allegedly attacked by men of a ruling party member who also held the position of UP chairman in Jamalpur’s Bakshiganj upazila. This horrific incident occurred just five days prior to Nadim’s untimely demise.
The victim’s family and colleagues recount the events leading up to this heinous crime. It began on May 10 when a woman, during a press conference in Bakshiganj, accused Mahmudul Alam, the chairman of Sadhurpara Union Parishad, of secretly marrying her but refusing to acknowledge their union. This revelation seemingly triggered a chain of events that ultimately led to Nadim’s tragic fate.
On Wednesday night, as Nadim was returning home, he reached the Bakshiganj Bazar area around 10:00 pm. It was there that an assailant attacked him, forcefully striking him. Helpless, Nadim fell from his motorcycle, only to be subjected to a merciless beating by others who joined the assault, using iron rods as weapons. These brutal blows left Nadim critically injured and in excruciating pain.
This devastating incident underscores a deeply concerning issue: the impunity with which journalists’ murders often go unsolved in Bangladesh. Tragically, many cases remain unresolved for years, if not decades.
It is disheartening to note that Bangladesh ranks 11th on the Global Impunity Index published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
This ranking signifies that the country has one of the highest numbers of unsolved journalist murders, leaving the perpetrators free to continue their acts of violence.
The tragic loss of Golam Rabbani Nadim serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists who tirelessly work to bring news and information to the public. It is imperative that authorities take immediate and decisive action to bring the culprits behind this senseless crime to justice.
The safety and security of journalists must be upheld, and the freedom of the press should be protected to ensure a vibrant and informed society.
Only then can we honour the memory of brave journalists like Golam Rabbani Nadim and prevent future tragedies from occurring.
