Shots fired at journalists in Khulna, one injured

Four journalists were targeted in a shooting incident in Khulna city. A journalist was injured by bullet splinters in the attack. The incident took place around 12:05am on Tuesday (July 14) in front of Jalil's tea shop on the western side of the United Nations Children's Park in the city .

The injured journalist is Awal Sheikh, Khulna correspondent for The Business Standard. His injuries are understood not to be serious.

Present at the scene at the time were Rakibul Islam Moti, Khulna bureau chief of SA TV; Rafiul Islam Tutul, Khulna bureau chief of Star News; Awal Sheikh; and Syed Humayun Kabir, Khulna correspondent of Dainik Amader Samay.

According to eyewitnesses and the victims, they were chatting in front of the tea shop as usual after finishing their work for the day. At that time, two helmeted youths on a motorcycle, coming from the Seven Roads intersection towards Shantidham, opened fire on them before speeding away.

Rakibul Islam Moti, Khulna bureau chief of SA TV, said one of the bullets struck the plastic stool he was sitting on. Awal Sheikh was injured by bullet splinters from that shot.

Rafiul Islam Tutul, Khulna bureau chief of Star News, believes the attack was premeditated, with one of the four journalists at the scene as the intended target.

Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan said a bullet shell has been recovered from the scene. CCTV footage from the vicinity is being collected. In addition, the CID, PBI, and the Police Headquarters' technology unit have been brought in to assist with the investigation. The motive and target of the attack will be identified, and those involved will be arrested soon.

In protest of the incident, the Khulna Metropolitan Journalist Union (MUJ) held a human chain and protest rally at the Khulna Press Club premises on Wednesday. Speakers demanded the swift arrest of the attackers and a proper investigation.