Police in Durgapur, Netrokona, have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the murder of journalist Lutfuzzaman Alif Fakir, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants earlier this week.
The suspect, Sajibul Islam, also known as Apurbo, was arrested shortly before midnight on Saturday in the cinema hall area of Madhya Bazar in Durgapur municipal town. Officer-in-Charge Khandaker Shaker Ahmed of Durgapur Police Station confirmed the arrest at around 12.30am on Sunday, 18 October.
According to police, Apurbo is the son of Shamsher Ali and lives in the Ukilpara area of Durgapur. The authorities have not yet disclosed detailed evidence linking him to the journalist’s murder or explained his alleged role in the attack. His involvement in the case will need to be established through the ongoing investigation.
Suspect previously arrested in police officer’s murder case
Apurbo was previously arrested in January 2025 in connection with the murder of police officer Md Shafiqul Islam in Durgapur. The officer was reportedly hacked to death, and Apurbo was subsequently released on bail.
His earlier arrest is part of his reported background, but it does not establish his guilt in the journalist’s killing. Investigators will need to assess the evidence relating specifically to the present case before determining his alleged involvement.
The latest arrest comes as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of Alif Fakir and seek to identify everyone responsible.
Journalist shot dead outside a shop
Alif Fakir, 40, was shot dead on Thursday night, 15 October, in Telunjia village under Birishiri Union in Durgapur Upazila. The attack took place outside a shop in the area where his in-laws lived.
The circumstances of the shooting, including the motive and the identities of the assailants, remain unclear. Police have not publicly established whether the killing was linked to a personal dispute, the journalist’s professional activities or another possible reason.
On Friday night, 16 October, the journalist’s wife, Anondita Sangma, filed a murder case with Durgapur Police Station. The complaint named seven to eight unidentified people as accused.
The case initiated a formal investigation into the killing, with police seeking to identify those involved and establish the circumstances that led to the attack. Apurbo’s arrest represents a development in that process, although further investigation is required to determine whether other suspects were involved.
Alif Fakir worked for an IPTV channel
Alif Fakir was the Netrokona correspondent for Ruposhi Bangla, an internet protocol television (IPTV) channel. Alongside his reporting work, he managed a Facebook page called ‘Detective Article’.
His death has brought renewed attention to the need for a thorough investigation into attacks on journalists and for accountability when such crimes occur. Establishing the motive, identifying the assailants and collecting reliable evidence are essential steps in ensuring that the case proceeds through the legal system.
At this stage, several key questions remain unanswered. Investigators have yet to establish publicly who carried out the shooting, whether the attack was planned and whether anyone else helped organise or execute it.
Police have also not released a detailed account of the evidence gathered so far. Further findings from the investigation will be needed to clarify the suspect’s alleged role and determine whether additional arrests are warranted.
For now, the arrest marks an initial step towards resolving the case. The central challenge remains establishing the facts behind Alif Fakir’s death and bringing those responsible to justice through a fair and evidence-based legal process.
