Engr Khondakr Abdus Saleque:

365 days have gone past .Two bright budding journalist, parent of a bright toddler, younger brother and sister of few, son and daughter of loving parents Golam Mostafa [Sagar] and Meherunessa Runi and friends of many of us were brutally murdered in their bedroom by still unidentified assailants. What were their faults? Why innocent Megh was deprived of parental love and affection? Why their parents have to bear such irreparable loss? Why we are deprived of the pleasant company of friends? We want to know.

Sagar and Runi were murdered on the early hours of 10th February 2012. They were living at a rented house in the heart of busy bustling capital Dhaka city. Sagar returned home after his night shift from his work at Machranga Television. Runi returned at early evening from her duty at ATN Bangla. 5 Years old son Mahir Sarwar [Megh] had a program of his school. None knew that that early morning will witness an early morning massacre. No one will compare this with August 15th 1971. But can one tell me is there anything different between what happened to Hasina –Rehana and and Megh?  Megh has the same heart bleeding for his parents that Hasina –Rehana feels. The only difference is Sagar or Runi were not like Bangabandhu. But the sad incident happened when Bangabandhu Daughter is the head of a powerful democratic government .Runi was a favorite TV reporter of PM Hasina who covered many of her programs. We sought justice to PM Hasina led Bangladesh Government in so many different forum, in so many different ways. Still after one year the killers remain untraced, the motive of the killing is not established. We want to know why?

PM Hasina we heard instructed Home Ministry and Law enforcing agents after the murder to track the killers immediately. Home Minister Shahara Khatun announced her conviction that killers would be nabbed within 48 hours. Now 365 X24 = 8760 hours have whistled past. The killers remain in safe haven. The Inspector General of Police talked of significant progress of investigation process a few days after the incident. But it appeared after sometime that some significant evidences from crime scene were deliberately wiped out with ulterior motives to hide criminals, killers. High Court at one stage announced its displeasure at police, DB investigation and ordered RAB to conduct fresh investigation. Police and RAB superiors continued to assure victim families of speedy credible investigations. Prime Minister herself assured little Megh of justice being done soon. But all assurances bore no fruit yet.

Politically divided Journalist community for the first time in several years came under one banner demanding justice to Sagar-Runi killers. They carried out several agitation programs. Print and electronic media carried very in depth reports. A section of media, ATN Bangla of controversial Mahfuzur Rahman tried to break unity of journalist community. The person himself tried to blot black on the image of innocent Runi. His statement abroad created storm. Many suspected his involvement in the incident. There were loud shout in media to bring ATN Bangla Chairman under investigation process. Fingers were pointed to brother of ATN Bangla Chairman. Rumors also spread wing that real killers and mastermind were assisted to leave the country after the incident.

Friends and colleagues of Sagar- Runi and international journalist community from abroad in all medium, Facebook, Twitter and internet appealed to Bangladesh Government to guarantee justice. People of all political believe, religion, age, cast and creed rallied for justice done to parents of innocent Megh. But after one year the investigation process is groping in the dark.

Home Minister was changed. New Home Minister after taking over tried to dramatize the incident announcing arrest of some suspected killers. These were street criminals. Their DNAs were sent to USA for forensic investigation and for comparing with evidences collected from dead bodies of Sagar-Runi. The last report received was frustrating that there were no similarities found. The progress of high voltage RAB investigation is still big Zero. The killers of Sagar –Runi are still at large. The plotters and masterminds are living secured.

New Information Minister assured all of his all-out support and assistance for investigation process. We do not understand whether it is his ploy to pacify growing tension among journalist community. However, we respect his sincere intentions.

We, who knew the couple very intimately cannot accept this gross negligence, cannot continue to rely on present government investigation agencies for ensuring justice. Killers of several other incidents after Sagar –Runi murder could be apprehended and tried. What is the mystery that the killer of Sagar –Runi is not tracked by now?

There are rumors that Runi created a report of alleged scam by a powerful politically favored family and was denied telecasting in her ATN Bangla. She discussed this with her husband and Sagar was planning to arrange telecasting in his channel. Rumor continued that the plotters sent agents to negotiate with the couple to hand over the documents saved on PC. When Runi first and Sagar finally refused strongly, on instant decision they were murdered with available weapons in the house and the lap tops and mobile phones were taken away. Is there any truth behind this rumor we need to know?

Sagar was a well-known Energy reporter. He also was editor of online Energy Magazine Energy Bangla where several much focused positive write ups were published on energy and power scenario of Bangladesh which might have hurt or antagonized mischief mongers. Did any quarter conspire to kill them?

Runi was a crime reporter. She telecasted my reports on crimes. Did the criminals plotted to kill her? What made ATN Bangla chief to suddenly make objectionable statement about his longtime employee?

Sagar and Runi along with Megh lived in Germany for some years. They created friendship with many there. In some German Cities there had been rallies demanding justice. Journalist beyond the Borders, Human Right Watch, and Amnesty International are closely monitoring the progress of the investigation process. Government has to come up with credible answer soon. We like to know.

For me personally Sagar is still on my Skype, my Facebook and my Google talk. Sagar anchored a TV program featuring me and Prof Anu Mohammad on 18th January 2012. Very often I listen to that. Still cannot believe that Sagar –Runi will never return .Pray that Allah rest their soul in peace.

We hope government will soon be in a position to answer our queries. In democratic society we have right to know. We want justice done to our friends. Talking on behalf of innocent Megh we want to see the killers of his parents get capital punishment and the plotters get hanged.