Mymensingh, Bangladesh — In a shocking act of violence, 65-year-old journalist Swapan Kumar Bhadra was brutally murdered outside his home in Mymensingh on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The attack occurred around 11:00 AM in the Tanpara area of Shambhuganj and has ignited widespread condemnation regarding the safety of journalists in Bangladesh.
The suspect, 18-year-old Sagar Mia, was arrested later that day and has since confessed to the crime, citing personal grievances tied to Bhadra’s journalistic activities. Sagar was detained at his grandparents’ home, not far from the scene of the attack. His confession revealed a motive related to longstanding animosity stemming from Bhadra’s reporting on local crime, particularly drug trafficking.
Bhadra was a respected journalist with deep roots in his community. He served as a correspondent for the Dainik Swajan newspaper, focusing on local issues like corruption and drug-related crime. Although he had officially retired, Bhadra remained active on social media, where his posts often criticized criminal activities in the area, further putting him at risk.
His family disclosed that Bhadra had previously survived an attack a year ago, which he attributed to his investigative work. Despite the threats he faced, he continued to advocate for transparency and accountability.
On the day of the attack, Bhadra was outside his home when Sagar approached him and launched a violent assault with a machete, inflicting fatal injuries. His wife, Sabita Dhar, witnessed the attack and called for help, but Bhadra was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.
Police swiftly cordoned off the area, gathering evidence from the crime scene, including the recovery of the murder weapon. Sagar was brought before the Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court, where he reiterated his confession.
Superintendent of Police Azizul Islam indicated that Bhadra’s reporting had led to confrontations with Sagar in the past, highlighting the growing dangers journalists face in Bangladesh. Sagar, known for his involvement in local drug trade and previous violent behavior, reportedly sought revenge for Bhadra’s exposes.
Legal proceedings are underway, with Bhadra’s wife filing a case against Sagar, who has been remanded for further investigation.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited national discourse on the threats faced by journalists. Media and human rights organizations are demanding justice, pointing out that Bangladesh has seen an alarming rise in violence against journalists.
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has reported that 110 journalists worldwide have been killed in 2024, with six fatalities occurring in Bangladesh amidst ongoing political unrest. PEC President Blaise Lempen called on the interim Bangladesh government to ensure justice for Bhadra’s family and highlighted the pressing need for stronger protections for media professionals.
As the investigation progresses, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures for journalists covering sensitive topics in Bangladesh.
Controversial Media Portrayal & Fact Check
Despite no evidence of a religious motive behind Journalist Swapan Kumar Bhadra’s murder, the Indian media outlet “Hindu Post” framed the incident as a communal issue in a post on the social media platform X. This portrayal has sparked concerns over the spread of religious hostility and divisive rhetoric, raising alarms about the role of misinformation in exacerbating communal tensions in the region.
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