Khandaker Shah Alam, a correspondent for the Daily Matrijagat, succumbed to his injuries after being attacked in retaliation for his reporting. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns this act of vengeance and calls on the authorities to protect media professionals.

Khandaker Shah Alam was violently attacked in Nabinagar, a sub-district north east of the capital, by a former prisoner, in retaliation for reporting on the case that landed the offender in jail.

On 25 June, the day of his release, the offender first assaulted Khandaker Shah Alam in the middle of the street, forcing him to hand over his cell phone and other personal belongings. Later that afternoon, the 48 year old journalist, who covered local news and corruption, met the assailant to recover his possessions. After a heated exchange, he was kicked, punched and later found unconscious. Khandaker Shah Alam was then transported to the Nabinagar Health Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His assailant was arrested shortly afterwards and jailed for manslaughter.

RSF Editorial Director Anne Bocandé says, "RSF expresses its full solidarity with the loved ones of Khandaker Shah Alam. The attack that led to his death is unacceptable, and clearly resulted from his work as a journalist. This crime must not go unpunished — for Khandaker Shah Alam’s memory and the safety of all Bangladeshi journalists. The authorities must send a clear message to prevent such attacks from happening again.