Journalist Dipu Sikder Threatened After Investigative Report on Morgue; GD Filed at Mirpur Police Station, CRAB Expresses Concern

The Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) has expressed deep concern over threats made against Dipu Sikder, special correspondent of Alap, after he produced an investigative report on perverted sexual acts with corpses in a morgue.

In a statement on Wednesday (28 October), CRAB said investigative journalism is an important means of protecting the public interest, uncovering irregularities and ensuring accountability. It said that if a journalist faces threats, intimidation or harassment for carrying out professional duties, that is concerning for the environment of independent journalism.

CRAB's statement said the truth of Dipu Sikder's allegations must be determined through an impartial investigation. It also said ensuring the complainant journalist's security is the responsibility of the authorities concerned.

After the incident, Dipu Sikder filed a general diary (GD) at Dhaka's Mirpur Police Station. The GD states that after preparing an investigative report as part of his professional duties, he was threatened and intimidated in various ways in the context of collecting comments on the matter. He also stated in the GD that a syndicate was involved behind the incident.

On 18 October, the report titled 'Dead women are being raped too, where is the security?' was published on Alap's website. The digital report was also published on Alap's social media handles.