The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide has today called for an investigation into the murder of journalist Shahid Anwar, assistant editor of the Daily Asian Express.
Anwar was shot on 24 October 2004 inside his office in Dakar’s Kataban area. Anwar was shot twice in the forehead by unidentified attackers who stormed his office at approximately 3:30pm.
Police have suggested one possible motive for the killing is a business rivalry but are yet to confirm any suspects or motives connected to the murder.
Anwar is the second journalist murdered in Bangladesh in two months; unidentified assailants killed Dipankar Charawarti, an editor of Daily Durjoy Bangla, in September in northern Bogra district, and the IFJ is disturbed by the rising death toll of journalists in Bangladesh.
“A culture of impunity is growing in Bangladesh due to Government inaction,” said IFJ President Christopher Warren today.
“Violence and terror will continue in Bangladesh unless the Government works to ensure that when a journalist dies those responsible are brought to justice,” said Warren.
Anwar is the fifth journalist to be killed in Bangladesh in 2004 ranking Bangladesh as one of the most dangerous countries in the world to work as a journalist.
For further information please contact Christopher Warren +61 411 757 668
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries
