The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, has today expressed horror over the brutal murder and decapitation of journalist Dipankar Chakrabarty and called for the Government of Bangladesh to launch a full investigation into his murder.
"The sickening murder of our colleague is the latest in a litany of abuses towards media in Bangladesh and must not go unpunished," said IFJ President Christopher Warren today.
On 2 October 2004, Dipankar Chakrabarty, Executive Editor the Bogra-based Durjoy Bangla newspaper was brutally murdered near his home in Sherpur Upazila. Chakrabarty had taken tea at a local restaurant and was attacked by unidentified assailants while walking home. He was attacked with
traditional axes and knives from behind and beheaded.
Chakrabarty was the vice-president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, ex-president of Bogra Union of Journalists (BUJ) and Sherpur Press Club and incumbent convener of Sherpur Reporters' Unity.
The police have yet to identify a motive or suspects in connection to the killing.
The IFJ has condemned the brutal killing and has called on the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into his brutal murder and to work to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the IFJ has called for the Government of Bangladesh to make a commitment to journalists' safety in Bangladesh.
The IFJ has warned the Bengali Government that the cycle of violence will continue unless it works to ensure that those responsible for violence against journalists are immediately brought to justice.
"Democracy and justice demand that a full investigation take place when one of our colleagues dies," said the IFJ President.
"With four journalists being killed this year alone in Bangladesh, it is time that the Government of Bangladesh take seriously the threat against journalists and democracy," said Warren.
Chakrabarty is the fourth 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
