New videos raise questions over journalist Tuhin’s murder in Gazipur

Two new videos circulating on social media have cast fresh doubts on the police's initial assertion that the murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin was linked to a honeytrap incident. The gruesome killing took place last Thursday at the busy Chandana Chowrasta area in Gazipur city.

One video, which went viral Saturday night, shows a man named Badsha Mia being violently attacked with a sharp weapon inside a pharmacy near Shapla Mansion, west of Chandana Chowrasta. 

The footage captures shopkeepers rushing to Badsha's aid as he escapes the assault. Police initially claimed that the attack followed Badsha's altercation with a woman named Golapi, who was allegedly trying to lure him into a honeytrap. 

Police released footage of this confrontation and the subsequent assault on Badsha by a group armed with knives and machetes.

Journalist Tuhin reportedly recorded the attack on Badsha, prompting the assailants to chase him. Tuhin fled to a nearby tea stall inside Masjid Market, about 300 metres east of Shapla Mansion. There, the attackers caught up with him, hacked him, and slit his throat before fleeing the scene.

However, discrepancies have emerged regarding the timing and location of the attacks. Tuhin's murder was reported at 6:45 pm, while the earlier attack on Badsha occurred on the opposite side of Chandana Chowrasta. 

Given the heavy traffic and crowds in the area, locals and observers find it difficult to reconcile the timeline. Many suggest there may be other motives behind the killing, beyond the police's honeytrap theory.

The second video released Saturday shows seven suspects inside a police van during transport. 

One accused, Al Amin, denies involvement and claims he was framed. He alleges that local figures – including individuals named Arif, Momtaz, and "Black Shaheen" – hired them for Tk7,000 to carry out the attack but did not participate themselves. 

Police sources say "Black Shaheen" faces 19 criminal cases and reportedly has links to a former Gazipur mayor. An anonymous police officer suggested that the murder might be part of a larger, organised plot.

Meanwhile, a key missing element remains the mobile phones of the slain journalist. Tuhin had used two phones to film videos exposing irregularities in Chandana Chowrasta. Investigators believe recovering these devices could reveal the true motive behind the murder.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Administration) Md Zahidul Hasan said the murder case is a top priority for the police. 

Regarding the new footage, he said, "We are working carefully, considering all aspects. To support the investigation officer and provide necessary guidance, a committee has been formed." 

He also said the court has granted two-day remand for each of the seven arrested suspects. "We are interrogating them and expect that three to four will give confessional statements by the end of the remand period," he said.

Asaduzzaman Tuhin, 38, was a staff reporter for Dainik Protidiner Kagoj. He lived in Gazipur with his wife and two young sons.

Two separate cases have been filed over the incident – one by Tuhin's elder brother and another by the brother of Badsha Mia, who was injured in the initial attack. Eight suspects have been arrested, all locals involved in various criminal activities.