Bangladesh journalist stabbed to death after exposing extortion

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  IFJ Media Release

Journalist Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin was stabbed to death in Gazipur on August 7, allegedly after reporting on extortion in the local area. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) strongly condemns his murder and urges local authorities to immediately take action to protect journalists and ensure they can perform their duties without fear of violence or retribution.

Tuhin, a reporter for the Daily Protidiner Kagoj, was killed in the Chandana Chowrasta area of Gazipur after being pursued by a group of five or six armed assailants. The journalist sought refuge in a nearby shop but was followed by the group, who stabbed him multiple times before fleeing. Tuhin died at the scene due to severe injuries.

The murder allegedly followed Tuhin’s reporting earlier that day on extortion in the area by a street vendor and local shops, through a livestream on Facebook. Other reports said Tuhin witnessed a young man being chased by an armed group of men, and was chased in retaliation after he began filming. Gazipur Metropolitan Police said an investigation had been launched and video footage of the incident had provided some initial leads. The IFJ is currently investigating the incident.

The day prior, on August 6, Gazipur-based journalist Anwar Hossain, correspondent of the national daily Bangladesher Alo, was beaten and seriously injured, allegedly for protesting extortion from local vendors. Witnesses said Hossain was attacked by seven to eight men with bricks, with police present but not intervening. The journalist was taken to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Tuhin’s murder follows the killing of Bangladeshi journalist Khandaker Shah Alam in Nabinagar Upazila, in Dhaka’s northeast, on June 25, in a targeted retaliation for his reporting. Bangladesh was the second deadliest country behind Pakistan for journalists in South Asia between May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, according to the IFJ South Asia Press Freedom Report.

The IFJ said: “IFJ strongly condemns the brutal murder of journalist Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin, which follows a chilling pattern of violent attacks on journalists and media workers in Bangladesh. The country’s interim government must uphold its commitment to the safety and security of media workers and take immediate action to ensure journalists can fulfil their duties without fear of violence or retribution.”