The murder case of Golam Rabbani Nadim, former Jamalpur district correspondent of BanglaNews24.com and former upazila correspondent of Ekattor TV, appears to be following the same unresolved path as the infamous Sagar-Runi double murder case. Despite two years having passed, there has been little to no progress in the investigation or trial. Nadim’s family alleges that efforts are being made to shield the real perpetrators.

During an on-site visit on Saturday (October 18), Nadim’s wife, Monira Begum, and his father, retired BDR member Abdul Karim, made these allegations to Md. Khairul Alam Rafiq, Chairman of Journalist Torture Prevention Cell Bangladesh (JTP Cell), and his team.

Monira Begum stated, “Under the leadership of former Awami League leader of Sadurpara Union, Mahmudul Alam alias Babu Chairman, 27 people were involved in my husband’s murder, but only 9 names were included in the charge sheet. The real killers remain at large, posing a threat to us. We have filed a no-confidence petition in court mentioning the names of the actual accused and are now awaiting a hearing.”

She added, “We are helpless. No one is standing by us except the journalists of Bakshiganj, who have been providing continuous support and encouragement. I demand maximum punishment for my husband’s killers.”

At the time, JTP Cell Chairman Md. Khairul Alam Rafiq said, “Since 1992, a total of 69 journalists have been murdered in Bangladesh. The absence of exemplary justice in these cases has emboldened killers to strike again — as seen in the recent public murder of Asaduzzaman Tuhin, staff reporter of Dainik Protidhiner Kagoj in Gazipur. The entire journalism community, and indeed the whole nation, mourned his death.”

He described Nadim’s murder as a “sensational and brutal killing” carried out by professional assassins. “The investigating officers have repeatedly staged drama-like acts to protect the real culprits — much like in the Sagar-Runi case, where the investigation was delayed 125 times. This must not happen again in the Nadim murder case. Otherwise, journalists across the country will announce strong protest programs,” he warned.

To monitor the case, the Journalist Torture Prevention Cell Bangladesh has formed a five-member investigation committee, led by Mohammad Ali Abir, Assistant Director (Legal) of the Cell. Other members include Md. Abdul Mannan, Head of Investigation, Mymensingh District Branch; G.M. Fatiul Hafiz Babu, President of Bakshiganj Press Club; the club’s General Secretary; and a human rights activist.

Among those present were Rezaul Karim Reza, Director (District Unit Chief); Anisur Rahman Rubel, Assistant Director; Abul Kashem, Assistant Director (Media); Selim Sarkar, Assistant Director (Finance); and local journalists including Masudul Hasan, Emdadul Haque Lalon, Al Mozahid Babu, Moniruzzaman Limon, Rakibul Hasan Bidrohi, and Nadim’s daughters Rabilatul Jannat and Rifat.

Earlier, the JTP Cell delegation visited Nadim’s home to check on the family’s condition. They found the family living in severe financial distress since the killing, with no source of income. The delegation then visited Bakshiganj Police Station, where they spoke with Officer-in-Charge Khandaker Shaker Ahmed. Later, they offered prayers at Nadim’s grave and met his father at their village home.

The visit concluded at Bakshiganj Press Club, where the JTP Cell delegation, led by Chairman Khairul Alam Rafiq, was warmly received with flowers and expressions of appreciation from local journalists.