The interim government on Tuesday (January 06, 2026) said the killing of Rana Pratap Bairagi cannot be linked to religion or any journalistic matter, stressing that local police have confirmed the victim was already an accused in a murder case.
“You know that a murder took place in Jessore yesterday (Monday), after which attempts were made in various places to spread propaganda by using the religious identity of the individual and claiming that a journalist was killed,” Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday evening.
Read more: Political vengeance behind Hadi killing: DB chief
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present.
Media reported that Rana Pratap Bairagi, acting editor of Narail-based daily BD Khobor, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Jashore's Manirampur upazila on Monday evening.
The 45-year-old victim owned an ice factory.
Foyez said local police authorities have informed that the victim had long been involved in extremist politics and was previously accused in a murder case. “You are aware that there have been past issues related to extremist politics in that area,” he added.
Foyez said there are multiple factions involved, and the incident occurred in that context.
He emphasised that there is no religious or journalistic connection to the killing. “This was the result of an old enmity linked to extremist politics. Police have already begun investigations and are working to arrest those involved,” he added.
Read more: Journalist Foyez appointed Sr Assistant Press Secretary to Chief Adviser