Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has called for an impartial investigation and justice for those responsible over the shooting death of journalist Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir in Netrokona’s Durgapur.
The human rights organisation also urged the authorities to take effective measures to prevent attacks, threats and killings targeting journalists.
ASK made the demands in a statement issued on Friday.
According to media reports cited in the statement, Alif Fakir was shot at Uttarail Bazar on the Shyamganj-Birishiri Road of Durgapur on the night of October 15.
He worked as the Netrokona correspondent for private IPTV channel Ruposhi Bangla.
He had previously been attacked in November 2025. ASK said the failure to ensure his safety after the earlier attack, followed by his killing, was deeply concerning.
The organisation said the shooting death of a journalist was not only an attack on an individual’s life but also sent a dangerous message for press freedom, freedom of expression and the public’s right to know.
Failure to investigate and prosecute violence and killings targeting journalists would create an atmosphere of fear, narrowing the space for independent reporting on issues of public interest and undermining democratic accountability and the rule of law, it said.
Citing Articles 32 and 39 of the Constitution, ASK said the rights to life and freedom of expression and the press are protected under these provisions. Similarly, Articles 6 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) recognise the rights to life and freedom of expression.
Ensuring journalists’ safety and conducting effective investigations and prosecutions into violence against them are the state’s responsibilities, it said.
On Alif Fakir’s killing and the need for justice, ASK Executive Director Tahmina Rahman said there should be no negligence, influence or bias in the investigation.
“Everyone involved in the killing must be identified and brought to justice,” she said, calling for justice through an impartial and effective investigation.
ASK also urged the authorities to create an environment where journalists can perform their professional duties without threats or fear.
“Protecting independent journalism is not merely a matter of professional interest; it is a prerequisite for democracy, human rights and an accountable state,” the organisation said.