BANGLADESH

FEBRUARY 11, 2005
Posted: February 14, 2005

Sheikh Belaluddin, Sangram

KILLED—CONFIRMED

Belaluddin, a correspondent with the Bengali-language daily Sangram, died at around 10 a.m. of injuries sustained in a bomb attack on February 5. The bomb exploded at a press club in the city of Khulna. The bomb, which was hidden in a bag hanging from a motorcycle, detonated at around 9:15 p.m. as Belaluddin approached the vehicle.

Three other journalists were hurt, but their injuries were not life-threatening. Belaluddin was flown to the capital, Dhaka, for treatment.

On February 8, Khulna journalists observed a news blackout and formed a human chain at the press club to protest the bombing. Across the country, journalists took to the streets to condemn the attack, demanding that authorities find and punish those responsible.

The Associated Press reported that police have arrested eight suspects but gave no other details.