The lifeless body of veteran journalist Bibhuranjan Sarkar (68), who headed the editorial page of Bengali daily Ajker Patrika, was recovered from the Meghna River in Munshiganj on Saturday, sparking outrage among journalists and rights activists over alleged threats preceding his death.
Colleagues and family members said Sarkar had been placed under “immense mental stress” following the publication of an opinion piece on August 14 by CPB leader Mazharul Islam Babla titled “History’s Eventful August”. The article reportedly implicated militants in the recent mass uprising, drawing the ire of Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the interim government’s chief advisor.
Sarkar was forcibly sent on leave by the newspaper earlier this month after Alam allegedly threatened the editor, warning of licence revocation and the involvement of intelligence agencies. Eight journalists were reportedly labelled “friends of fascists”, with demands for their immediate dismissal.
Under pressure, the newspaper removed the article from its online edition and placed Sarkar on indefinite leave. In an open letter later made public, he revealed that the threats continued even after his removal, leaving him isolated in attempts to seek guidance from his editors.
A colleague, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Bibhu da was a professional journalist. He could not accept the humiliation of being forced out and constantly threatened. His death is not an accident, it is cold-blooded murder.”
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Sarkar’s son accused those who intimidated his father, saying, “My father did nothing wrong. He was only doing his duty. Those who threatened him and forced him to resign are the ones responsible for his death. We demand justice.”
The incident has triggered sharp reactions from the media and human rights circles. A senior journalist commented, “This is the final nail in the coffin of independent journalism. If a senior journalist loses his life for publishing an article, then media freedom is dead. Today it is Bibhuranjan, tomorrow it will be us.”
A leading human rights activist condemned the environment of intimidation: “This is not an isolated incident. It reflects a culture of intimidation and impunity. We demand the immediate formation of an independent judicial inquiry commission.”
Journalist unions have issued strong statements and warned of protests unless swift action is taken. A union leader said, “A journalist threatened for publishing an article and later found dead in a river, this cannot happen in a civilised country.”
Authorities have yet to comment officially on the circumstances, but mounting pressure is building on the interim government to order a fair and impartial investigation into the death of Bibhuranjan Sarkar.
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