The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) in Bangladesh condemned the killing of journalist Golam Rabbani Nadeem, the Jamalpur district correspondent of BanglaNews24.com.  

A statement signed by the Embassies/High Commissions of: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States, was issued in this regard.

In the statement, MFC said: "We offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.  We are encouraged to learn that authorities have taken action by arresting the suspected perpetrators of the killing and by initiating legal proceedings."  

It also said that Journalists play a vital role in asking difficult questions, reporting the facts, and promoting the free flow of ideas.  

The Media Freedom Coalition calls on all in positions of influence in Bangladeshi society to speak up for press freedom, the right of journalists to work without fear of retribution or harm, and the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks on journalists, it added. 

Mahmudul Alam Babu, also general secretary of the union's Awami League in Bakshiganj upazila of Jamalpur, was detained from Deviganj Upazila in Panchagarh on Saturday (June 17) morning.

Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained him from Char Tistapara of the upazila around 7 am. 

Besides, two other accused were also detained with him. 

Earlier in the day (June 17), a case was filed against Mahmudul Alam Babu, chairman of Sadhurpara Union Parishad, and 21 others over their alleged involvement in the killing of Golam Rabbani Nadim.

Nadim's wife Monira Begum filed the case with Bakshiganj Police Station this noon.

She mentioned the names of 22 individuals and 20-25 others as unknown assailants in the case, Banglanews correspondent reports.

Banglanews24.com Jamal district correspondent Golam Rabbany Nadim, 42, died on June 15, a day after he was attacked allegedly by some supporters of a chairman Babu in Bakshiganj.

BDST: 1733 HRS, JUNE 22, 2023
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