Journalist Shot Dead by Assailants in Khulna, Another Injured

A prominent journalist in Khulna was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Thursday evening, leaving another person injured in the attack, police confirmed. The incident occurred at around 9:30 pm in the Shalua Bazar area of Dumuria Upazila, according to Aranghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahjahan Ahmed.

The victim, Imdadul Haque Milon, 45, was the president of the Shalua Press Club and ran a local news portal called “Bortoman Somoy”. Milon, the son of Mohammad Bazlul, was also the general secretary of the Shalua Bazar Merchants’ Association. His death has sent shockwaves through the local community and press fraternity, highlighting concerns over the safety of journalists in the region.

Another person, veterinary doctor Debashish Biswas, sustained injuries during the attack. According to eyewitnesses, Milon was sitting at a tea stall near Janata Bank in Shalua Bazar when the assailants, arriving on two motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately. One of the bullets struck Biswas on the head.

“After Debashish moved to safety, the gunmen entered the tea stall and fired multiple rounds at Milon at close range, fatally wounding him,” OC Shahjahan Ahmed said. Milon was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital by locals, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Police immediately launched an operation to apprehend the attackers and are currently collecting evidence from the crime scene. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured the public that more details will be provided once available.

The attack has sparked outrage among local journalists and residents, who have condemned the targeted killing of a media professional. Press organisations are urging authorities to enhance security measures for reporters, particularly those covering sensitive local issues.

The Dumuria incident underscores the increasing risks faced by journalists in Bangladesh, where threats, attacks, and intimidation continue to jeopardise press freedom and public safety. Authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.

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