'Rana Killing Not Linked to Religion,Journalism'

The government today said the killing of Rana Pratap Bairagi in Jashore had no connection to religion or journalism, stating that police have confirmed the victim was previously named as an accused in a murder case.

Addressing a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this evening, Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad said efforts were made following the incident to spread misleading information.

“After the murder in Jashore yesterday, there were attempts in different quarters to circulate misinformation by claiming that a journalist had been killed and by highlighting the religious identity of the deceased,” he told reporters.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present at the briefing.

Foyez said local police authorities have informed the government that the victim had long been associated with extremist political activities and had previously been accused in a murder case.

“There have been earlier incidents related to extremist politics in that area,” he said, adding that the locality has seen the presence of multiple rival groups and that the killing took place within that backdrop.

Rejecting claims of any religious or journalistic motive, he said the murder stemmed from a long-standing rivalry linked to extremist political activities.

Police have already launched an investigation and are working to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing, he added.