Gazipur police chief rues failure to protect slain journalist Tuhin

He says they cannot evade responsibility for the killing of a journalist, adding that they had a duty to protect him but had failed

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan has expressed regret over the failure of law enforcement to ensure adequate security following the murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin in broad daylight.

Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday following the arrests of seven people over Tuhin’s murder, he said: “We can't evade responsibility for the killing of a journalist. We had a duty to protect him, but we couldn't. We have shortcomings, including a shortage of manpower."

“Prevention is not always possible. No country in the world has been able to bring crime down to zero. So, despite our best efforts, crimes can still occur. We express our regret over the incident that has happened,” the GMP commissioner said.

Urging public cooperation in tackling crime, he added: “The police alone cannot suppress crime. Public involvement is necessary here.”

The GMP commissioner also extended condolences to the family of the slain journalist.

“Journalist Tuhin gave his life while documenting the crimes of an organised group. We have CCTV footage and eyewitness testimony regarding the incident. We have all the necessary evidence.

“Subject to receiving Tuhin’s autopsy report, we will be able to submit the chargesheet to court within 15 days. We hope to ensure the highest punishment for the perpetrators in the shortest possible time," he said.

“If we can ensure a culture of punishment, crime will be curbed. Even if the suspects don't confess, the evidence will prove their guilt,” he added.

Earlier, police announced the arrests of seven suspects with direct involvement in the killing of the journalist. The arrestees are Faisal alias Ketu Mizan, whom police describe as the mastermind of the killing, his wife Golapi, Suman, Al Amin, Shadhin, Md Shah Jalal, and Md Faisal Hasan.

Among them, Faisal, his wife Golapi, and Suman were arrested by the Detective Branch from Bhabanipur in Gazipur’s Sadar Upazila. Al Amin was apprehended by officers from Bason Thana in the Turag area of Dhaka's Uttara. Shadhin was arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Hotapara of Gazipur Sadar Upazila.

Meanwhile, Shah Jalal was arrested in Char Masland Morolpara under Mymensingh's Gafargaon Thana, and Md Faisal Hasan was nabbed in Gazipur.

Tuhin, 38, worked as a staff reporter for the Dainik Protidiner Kagoj newspaper in Gazipur.

On Aug 7, he was hacked to death near Chandana Chowrasta after filming acts of extortion and violence.

His elder brother, Md Selim, filed a case against unidentified persons in connection with the incident.

Tuhin left behind his wife Mukta Akhter and two sons, Taufiq, 7, and Fahim, 3.

Family members said Tuhin completed his SSC in 2005 from Fulbaria Al Hera School and HSC in 2007 from Sylhet M Saifur Rahman College. He graduated with honours from Bhawal College in Gazipur.

He initially joined his brother Jasim Uddin’s business, but later worked in a pharmaceutical company. He began his career in journalism in 2012.