Netrokona journalist shot dead in market attack

Netrokona: A journalist was fatally shot while sitting at a tea stall in Telunjia bazar, Durgapur upazila, on Thursday evening. The incident, reported by local media, left the 39‑year‑old dead and prompted a police investigation.

The victim, identified as Lutfozzaman Alif Fakir, worked as the Netrokona bureau chief for the private IPTV channel Ruposhi Bangla. He also maintained a Facebook page titled “Detective Article,” where he documented various irregularities and criminal activities in the region. His village residence is located in Sunai, Pogla union, under Kalmaqanda upazila.

According to the report, the fatal shooting took place at around 8 p.m. on the Shyamganj‑Birishiri road near Telunjia bazar, within the Kalmaqanda municipality area. While leaving a tea shop after his purchase, Alif was approached by two young men who opened fire on him multiple times. The attackers fled the scene on a motorcycle after the shooting.

A nearby tea stall owner, identified as Robin, said he saw the two youths approach Alif, exchange words, and then open fire without warning. He added that after the shots, the assailants quickly mounted their bike and sped away as locals rushed to assist the injured journalist.

Emergency services transported Alif to Durgapur Upazila Health Complex, where medical staff pronounced him dead. Police examination of the body revealed five bullet wounds affecting the head, neck, chest, and other parts of the torso.

Durgapur police station’s Officer‑in‑Charge, Khondkar Shakir Ahmad Khan, confirmed the discovery of multiple gunshot injuries and stated that a formal investigation has been launched. Netrokona Superintendent of Police Tariqul Islam said the case is being treated as a planned murder based on initial findings, and police are conducting operations to locate and apprehend those responsible.

The journalist had previously survived an attack on 10 November of last year (2025) in the Teribazar area of Someshwari river, where he was wounded by a blade. An associate who attempted to intervene was also threatened at the time.

The incident has drawn attention from press freedom advocates, who are calling for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure accountability. The case remains under active investigation by local authorities.