Ain o Salish Kendra expresses grave concern and strongly protests the killing of Rajshahi University Professor AFM Rezaul Karim Siddiquee.

Reports said he was attacked near his house in Rajshahi’s Shalbagan area while on his way to the university on Saturday (23 April 2016) morning.

Professor Rezaul was an enthusiast of literature and music. He was involved in a cultural organisation of the university and edited a literary magazine. He also ran a music school in his village.

We think that the murder of Professor Rezaul is part of a series of attacks targeting progressive individuals. The perpetrators continue to kill such people as they got away with the previous murders because of lack of proper investigation, the government’s bid to avoid responsibility and occasional attempts to even blame the victims.

We demand that the government immediately carry out proper investigation into all such killings, including that of Professor Rezaul, and disclose the probe findings to the public as well as take stern legal measures against the perpetrators. We also demand that individuals who are at risk be provided with adequate security.