MIR ILLIAS HOSSAIN

News Organization: DAINIK BIR DARPAN

Died: 2000

Location: BANGLADESH

Hossain, 43, editor of the newspaper Dainik Bir Darpan, was assassinated Jan. 15 in the southwestern town of Jhenaidah. According to the English-language Independent in Dhaka, three assailants shot Hossain and a friend at close range outside a shop. Hossain was killed instantly. Dainik Bir Darpan had been outspoken against underground militants in the area, urging them to abandon violence and engage in the democratic process. Hossain often criticized the militants for ignoring the needs of the rural population. Although he had been active in a radical leftist organization working for more equitable land distribution, it is believed Hossain was targeted for his journalistic work.