CPJ, IFJ demand probe into B'desh journo's murder

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has asked the Bangladesh to vigorously probe the killing of the daily Samakal newspaper journalist, Abdul Hakim Shimul.

The shooting took place before many witnesses and police have reportedly seized the weapon and identified its owner, said Steven Butler, CPJ Asia programme coordinator, while adding that there can be no excuse for failing to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) also strongly condemned the killing of Hakim, reports the Daily Star.

The IFJ demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the perpetrators, according to a statement posted on its website.

The IFJ strongly condemns violence which cost the life of colleague Abdul Hakim Shimul who was only doing his job, said IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger.

Abdul Hakim, who sustained bullet wounds during a clash between two associate bodies of Awami League in Shahjadpur on Thursday, succumbed to his injuries.

Since CPJ began keeping records in 1992, at least 20 journalists have been killed in Bangladesh in direct relation to their work.

In addition to Abdul Hakim's death, CPJ is investigating the deaths of another nine journalists to determine whether they were related to the journalists' work.