Dhaka, October 13, 2026 — Family members of journalist Tanzila Nijhum have expressed serious concerns over their safety after a group of unidentified masked individuals allegedly visited her sister’s residence in Gendaria, Old Dhaka, demanding information about the journalist’s whereabouts and issuing threats.
According to family sources, the incident occurred at approximately 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 11, 2026, when several masked individuals reportedly arrived at the residence of Nijhum’s sister and questioned her about the whereabouts of the journalist and her husband.
Family members alleged that the individuals became aggressive when Nijhum’s sister informed them that she did not know the couple’s current location.
The visitors allegedly used abusive language, displayed threatening behaviour and attempted to intimidate members of the household.
Neighbours also claimed that the individuals behaved aggressively during the confrontation. Before leaving the premises, they allegedly threatened to “deal with” journalist Tanzila Nijhum if they managed to find her.
Family Expresses Fear and Security Concerns
Following the incident, Nijhum’s sister, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, expressed deep anxiety about the safety of her family.
She alleged that the unexpected visit by unidentified individuals, their repeated demands for information about the journalist and her husband, and their threatening conduct had left the family feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
The family is particularly concerned about the possibility of further intimidation or harassment.
According to Nijhum’s sister, she is preparing to inform the relevant law enforcement authorities and pursue appropriate legal action regarding the alleged incident.
Identity and Motives of Alleged Threateners Remain Unknown
The identities of the individuals involved and their reasons for seeking the journalist's whereabouts remain unclear.
It has not been independently established whether the alleged threats were connected to Nijhum’s professional activities as a journalist or arose from other circumstances.
No statement from the individuals accused of making the threats was immediately available. The relevant law enforcement authorities had also not provided an official response to the allegations at the time of reporting.
Calls for Clarification and Investigation
The allegations raise concerns about the security of the journalist and her family, particularly given the reported attempt to obtain information about her location.
Several questions remain unanswered, including who the masked individuals were, why they visited the residence, and what motivated their alleged threatening behaviour.
An impartial investigation by the relevant authorities would be necessary to establish the facts, determine whether any criminal offence occurred, and identify those responsible if the allegations are substantiated.
The incident remains an allegation based on accounts provided by family members and neighbours, pending independent verification and any official investigation.
Previous Attack on Journalist and Her Husband in May 2024
On May 21, 2024, at approximately 11:00 PM, four masked young men allegedly attacked journalist Tanzila Nijhum and her husband shortly after they left their office in the Mohakhali area of Dhaka. According to the husband's account, the assailants struck both of them on their backs with iron rods. He managed to escape and seek shelter inside a nearby grocery shop, while his wife fell to the ground during the assault. Local residents subsequently rushed to their assistance and took them to Universal Medical College and Hospital Limited for emergency medical treatment. Both reportedly sustained injuries that required them to remain hospitalised for four days.
