Dhaka: PEN Bangladesh condemned the murder of Shahzahan Bachchu, a secular writer and publisher, and a member of the Communist Party of Bangladesh who was shot dead near his village home at Kakaldi of Shirazdikhan upazila in Munshigonj on Monday evening.

Even though the police aren’t sure if this was an extremist attack, PEN Bangladesh urged the Government to give highest priority to the investigation of the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.

PEN Bangladesh also urged the government to take action to promote and protect the rights of free expression of the people. 

It believes that opinions and ideas can only be countered by opinions and ideas, and not by stifling thoughts.