Police in Durgapur, Netrokona, have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the murder of journalist Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir, who was shot dead by assailants earlier this week.
The suspect, Sajibul Islam, also known as Apurbo, was arrested from the cinema hall area of Madhya Bazar in Durgapur town shortly before midnight on Saturday, according to police. Durgapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khandaker Shaker Ahmed confirmed the arrest at around 12.30am on Sunday, 18 October.
Apurbo is the son of Shamsher Ali and a resident of Ukilpara in Durgapur municipal town. Police have not yet disclosed details of the evidence linking him to the journalist’s killing or clarified what role he is suspected of playing in the incident.
The suspect had previously been arrested in connection with another murder case. In January 2025, he was taken into custody over the killing of police officer Md Shafiqul Islam, who was reportedly hacked to death in Durgapur. Apurbo was subsequently released on bail. His earlier arrest does not, however, establish his involvement in the journalist’s murder, which remains under investigation.
Journalist shot dead outside a shop
Alif Fakir, 40, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Thursday night, 15 October, in Telunjia village under Birishiri Union in Durgapur Upazila. The attack took place in front of a shop in the area where his in-laws lived.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive and the identities of those responsible, remain unclear. Investigators will need to establish whether the attack was linked to a personal dispute, professional activities or another possible motive. No conclusion about the reason for the killing can be drawn until evidence is examined.
On Friday night, 16 October, the journalist’s wife, Anondita Sangma, filed a murder case with Durgapur Police Station. The complaint named seven to eight unidentified individuals as accused, prompting an investigation into the killing and efforts to identify those involved.
Apurbo’s arrest marks a development in the investigation, although further inquiries will be necessary to determine the extent of his alleged involvement and whether other individuals participated in the attack.
Journalist worked for Ruposhi Bangla and ran a Facebook page
Alif Fakir worked as the Netrokona correspondent for Ruposhi Bangla, an internet protocol television (IPTV) channel. Alongside his reporting duties, he also managed a Facebook page called ‘Detective Article’.
His death has raised serious questions about the circumstances of the attack and the need to establish accountability. Identifying the assailants, determining the motive and gathering evidence that can withstand judicial scrutiny will be central to the investigation.
Police have yet to provide a detailed account of the evidence recovered or the progress made in identifying the other suspects named in the case. Further developments are expected as investigators examine the circumstances of the shooting and assess any evidence that may help establish what happened.
For now, Apurbo’s arrest is one step in a case that remains unresolved. The investigation must establish who carried out the attack, whether it was planned and whether anyone else was involved in the killing of the 40-year-old journalist.
