The brutal killing of journalist A.S.M. Hayat Uddin in Bagerhat has sparked outrage, anger, and strong reactions across the journalism community in Bangladesh. To meet the victim’s family and colleagues and to review the progress of the investigation, a high-level delegation from the Journalist Torture Prevention Cell Bangladesh is set to visit the crime scene next week.

According to preliminary reports, the slain journalist A.S.M. Hayat Uddin was employed with the Daily Bhorer Chetana. Allegations suggest that he was murdered in a premeditated attack. The victim’s family has filed a murder case with the local police station, and the police have already begun an investigation.

In an official statement, the Journalist Torture Prevention Cell Bangladesh declared, “If the safety of journalists cannot be ensured, the freedom of journalism will face a grave threat.” The organization demanded a thorough investigation and swift justice for those responsible for the killing.

Following the incident, several top leaders of the organization — including its Chief Md. Khairul Alam Rafiq (Daily Protidhiner Kagoj), Director (Investigation) Gouranga Debnath Opu (Kaler Kantho), Director (Operation & Media) Azharul Haque (Prothom Alo), Director (Service & Media) Sohag Arefin (Protidhiner Kagoj), and Unit Chief Rezaul Karim Reza — along with other members and representatives, will travel to Bagerhat.

Meanwhile, journalists in Bagerhat, along with the local Press Club, have staged human chains and protest demonstrations demanding justice. Leaders at the protest warned that if swift justice is not ensured, journalists across the country will launch tougher movements.

Local administration officials stated that the investigation is being carried out with the highest priority, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend those responsible for the murder.