48-hour ultimatum to withdraw journalist Saurav's name from murder case in Ishwardi

On Saturday (26 September), a protest meeting organized at Ishwardi Press Club demanded that Saurav's name be withdrawn from the case within the next 48 hours. They announced continuous programs if the demand is not met.

Journalist leaders alleged that Saurav was implicated in the case due to local political rivalry and the fallout of publishing investigative reports on various issues. They also alleged that he was made an accused particularly under the patronage of a local political party.

According to the FIR of the case, on September 20, Anisur Rahman of Mazdia Islampara village in Sara Union filed the Akib murder case as plaintiff. In it, 15 people including journalist Saurav were made accused.

Earlier, after 18-year-old Akib went missing on the night of September 1, he was left in an unwell condition by autorickshaw at Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex early the next day. Later, he died in the Lalpur area while being taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

At the protest meeting, journalists demanded a neutral investigation into how and on the basis of what information Saurav's name was added to the case. At the same time, they said harassment or obstruction in carrying out a journalist's professional duties would not be tolerated.