New York, April 7, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns the shooting of Delwar Hossain, correspondent of the Bangla-language daily Jugantor, who was attacked in the capital, Dhaka, on the afternoon of Sunday, April 4.
Hossain was in a store in central Dhaka when two unidentified men entered and shot him, according to local news reports. There were conflicting accounts about his wounds; some said he was shot in the head and back, but the United News of Bangladesh wire service reported that he was shot twice in the stomach. CPJ continues to investigate the incident.
After the attack, Hossain was taken to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is recovering after surgery, according to local n news reports. He spoke with reporters in the hospital yesterday and accused a local criminal group of ordering the attack against him in retaliation for his reporting about their illegal activities.
According to The Associated Press, police are currently investigating the shooting. Local journalists held a demonstration on Monday, April 5, to protest the incident.
“We are outraged by this violent attack on our colleague Delwar Hossain,” said CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper. “The people responsible for this crime must be found and held accountable in a court of law.”
