The United States and United Kingdom have condemned the killing of secular blogger and war crimes trial campaigner Niladri Chatterjee.
In a press release, US Department of State spokesperson said this heinous act once again underscores the need to work together to counter violent extremism.
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We stand with Bangladeshis who reject this vicious act and who work to protect space for freedom of expression, said the statement.
The US also offer our condolences to his family and our support to the Bangladeshi people.
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In another statement, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Hugo Swire expresses his shock at the murder of blogger Niladri Chatterjee.
Swire said: "I was appalled to learn of the violent murder in Bangladesh of blogger Niloy Neel, the fourth such death this year. It was a horrifying and cowardly crime. My thoughts are with Niloy’s family and friends.
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"I call on the Bangladeshi authorities to investigate his death urgently, and to bring the perpetrators to justice."
The UK minister said the freedom of speech is a universal right which must be protected. "The UK stands together with the people and government of Bangladesh in the face of extremism."
Take a look: AQIS says its members killed Niloy Neel
Also known as Niloy Neel on blogging platforms and Facebook, Niladri Chatterjee was killed with machetes by four unidentified assailants at his Goran residence in Dhaka around 1:30pm Friday.
Niloy, who worked at an NGO, had rented the flat on the fourth floor of a building in the area two years back, identifying himself as a Muslim named Niloy Chowdhury. He used to stay with his wife Ashamoni and sister-in-law.
Recently he was trying to leave the country out of fear as three secularist activists had been killed by the militants since February. He also received threats several times.
A group named Ansar Al Islam, believed to be banned militant group Ansarullah Bangla Team, has claimed responsibility for the murder. In an email sent to the media in the afternoon, they said that Niloy had been killed for his blasphemous activities, and warned others of similar consequences for demeaning the Almighty and the Prophet.
