Journalist threatened after morgue report, CRAB expresses concern

Dipu Sikder, a senior member of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) and special correspondent at Alap News, has alleged that he received threats after publishing an investigative report on alleged sexual abuse involving the bodies of deceased women at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital’s morgue in Dhaka.

He filed a general diary (GD) with the Mirpur Model Police Station today (28 October), according to his complaint.

In the GD, Sikder said he began investigating the allegations as part of an official assignment and collected information and video statements from the relevant authorities and the two accused individuals to ensure balanced reporting.

The accused are former morgue in-charge Jatan Lal, who was transferred back to Mirpur Dental College by the Directorate General of Health Services over various allegations, and morgue assistant Nure Alam Shanto, whom the hospital authorities had relieved of his duties, according to the complaint.

Sikder alleged that Shanto contacted him by text message on Tuesday (27 October), disputed the report’s accuracy and repeatedly messaged him after Sikder presented his arguments.

He said Shanto also asked him to hand over sensitive evidence in his possession and later threatened him through messages and phone calls, including by saying they would meet in court.

Meanwhile, CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal and General Secretary MM Badshah expressed deep concern over the alleged threats in a joint statement.

They said investigative journalism plays a vital role in protecting public interests, exposing irregularities and ensuring accountability. Threats, intimidation or harassment against journalists carrying out their professional duties undermine the environment for independent journalism, they added.

The CRAB leaders called for an impartial investigation to establish the truth and urged the relevant authorities to ensure Sikder’s safety.