Assailants attacked and killed Dipankar, executive editor of a local daily Durjoy Bangla, with an axe near his house at Sherpur in the early hours of Sunday.

Although police failed to make any headway, a reliable source said that a number of local influential people, who have been occupying a vast area of land of Sherpur Rani Bhabani Temple, might have a hand in the murder. Dipankar was an advisor to the temple.

Local journalists took out a procession yesterday, the second day of their three-day protest. They wore black badges, hoisted black flags at the press club and put a blank space on the front pages of local newspapers to protest the murder.

Our staff correspondent adds: Different political and socio-cultural organisations yesterday condemned the killing of journalist Dipankar Chakrabarty.

They also demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment to the assailants.

In a condolence message, Opposition Leader and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina said the heinous killing of Dipankar has again proved that nobody has security of life during the regime of Khaleda-Nizami's coalition government.

She also demanded immediate arrest and punishment to the killers.

Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, Jatiya Party (Manju) Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon also condemned the killing.

Left-leaning five parties have demanded exemplary punishment to the killer of Dipankar.

In a joint statement, Jatiya Gonofront, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, Democratic Labour Party, Biplobi Oikya Front, and Gonosanghati Andolon expressed sympathy for the members of the bereaved family.

Ekatturer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, Ain o Salish Kendra, Shromojibi Mukti Andolon and Adhikar have also protested the killing of Dipankar.