Editors' Council today expressed deep concern over the attack on renowned writer Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal.

The Council, in a statement undersigned by Mahfuz Anam, general secretary of the organisation and also editor of The Daily Star, expressed strong condemnation to the attack on the noted writer.

It observed that the emergence of militancy is taking place in the country and expected strong efforts of the government and the law enforcement agencies to curb the menace.

In the statement, the organisation said Zafar Iqbal is a very popular teacher, writer and a meritorious scientist. His science related writings fascinate children and teenagers. He writes columns for newspaper regularly. His columns are also very popular, the press statement read.

He has been working in favour of the country’s independence spontaneously and he took to the street demanding punishment of those who worked against the humanity during the Liberation War, according to the statement.

Prof Iqbal is a dedicated personality in spreading education and a bright star, who has been given life threats by militant outfits since long. He has been doing his jobs ignoring such threats.

The Council termed the attack on such a personality an attempt to turn the nation into a meritless one, which was done by the Pakistanis in 1971.

In the statement, Mahfuz Anam said, "The attack was not only on Zafar Iqbal, rather it was launched on all the meritorious people and conscious citizens in the country. We condemn the attack."

"We expect strong efforts of the government and the law enforcement agencies so that they take control on the emergence of militancy. We want an assurance so that all meritorious and common people can live a secured life," he said.