DHAKA, Jan 6, 2026 (BSS) – The government today clarified that the killing of Rana Pratap Bairagi in Jashore was not linked to religion or any journalistic matter, saying that local police have confirmed the victim was already an accused in a murder case.

“You know that a murder took place in Jashore yesterday (Monday), after which attempts were made in various places to spread misinformation, saying a journalist was killed and using the religious identity of the killed individual,” Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad told reporters at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy here this evening.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was present at the briefing.

Foyez said local police authorities have informed that the victim had long been involved in extremist politics and was previously accused in a murder case. 

“You are aware that there have been past issues related to extremist politics in that area,” he said, adding, there are multiple factions involved and the incident occurred in that context.

Noting that there was no religious or journalistic link to the killing, Foyez said, “The incident was the result of an old enmity linked to extremist politics”.

Police have already begun investigations and are working to arrest those involved in the killing, he added.