The Editors Council has strongly condemned and protested the killing of journalist Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir, describing the incident as a grave attack on press freedom, freedom of expression and the public’s right to know.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the council said the killing was not merely the taking of a citizen’s life but also a serious blow to independent journalism and democratic values.

“In a democratic state, ensuring the safety of journalists is one of the state’s fundamental responsibilities. Brutality such as attacks on and killings of journalists is unacceptable in any circumstances,” the statement said.

The Editors Council expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family of Lutfuzzaman Fakir and solidarity with his colleagues.

It demanded a fair, impartial, transparent and speedy investigation into the killing and called for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of everyone directly or indirectly involved in the crime.

The council also called for an investigation into whether any political, personal or professional dispute, or any previous threats, were connected to the killing.

“No matter what the political identity, social status or influence of the perpetrators may be, they must be brought to justice,” the statement said.

The council warned that any obstruction to the investigation due to pressure from influential quarters, or any impunity for the perpetrators, would seriously undermine journalists’ safety and public confidence in the rule of law.

It urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety of journalists.

“Journalists cannot be silenced from revealing the truth through intimidation, attacks or killings,” the council said, calling on democratic forces, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to stand united in support of journalists’ safety and independent journalism.

The Editors Council stressed that justice must be ensured for the killing of journalist Lutfuzzaman Fakir and that those responsible must receive exemplary punishment.

“The culture of impunity for the killing of journalists must end. There can be no compromise when it comes to protecting the right to reveal the truth,” it said.

The statement was signed by Nurul Kabir, president of the Editors Council, and Dewan Hanif Mahmud, its general secretary.