Journalist Pulak Chatterjee Found Hanging in Barishal

Bangla Press Desk:  Journalist Pulak Chatterjee was found dead at the Barishal bureau office of Bangla daily Samakal on Friday. Police discovered the hanging body of Pulak at the office on Parara Road in Barishal city around 8pm.The 57-year-old journalist had served as the bureau chief of Samakal. His family said he was relieved of his post in 2023 and had remained unemployed since then.

He is survived by his wife and a daughter.

Meanwhile, several law enforcement teams, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police, were working at the scene.

Police said they found “suicide notes” at the scene. According to police, relatives and colleagues identified the notes as being in Pulak Chatterjee’s handwriting. However, this could not be independently verified.

Police said the “suicide notes” were addressed to his wife Priyanka and daughter Prakriti, his brother Dipak Chatterjee, Barishal Press Club General Secretary SM Zakir Hossain, and Sumon Chowdhury, who is currently in charge of Samakal’s Barishal bureau.

Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abu Raihan Muhammad Saleh said, “We initially think it is a case of suicide, as five notes found in his pocket suggest that he took his own life.”

According to police, one of the notes read, “No one is responsible for my death. I have been suffering from several illnesses. I can no longer bear this pain. Because of my illness, I have also become socially withdrawn. Unable to bear the pain of the illness, I have committed suicide. No one should be harassed over this.”

In another “suicide note” addressed to Sumon Chowdhury, Pulak said, “I worked with you for one and a half decades. Forgive me if I ever caused you any pain. I am sorry for putting you in an embarrassing situation. If possible, recover the money I am owed by Samakal and give it to your sister-in-law.”

Police also said a “suicide note” was addressed to his wife Priyanka. It read, “Priyanka, forgive me. Nothing in this world stops for anyone. Take care of Prakriti and continue her education. Stay with Dipak. He will look after you all.”

Another “suicide note” addressed to Dipak read, “Forgive me. I have left you with a great burden. Take care of Priyanka and Prakriti.”

Police said the “suicide note” addressed to Zakir Hossain read, “As I have voluntarily committed suicide, there is no need for an autopsy. Arrange for my body to be handed over to my family without administrative complications. I have many memories with you. Please take care of my wife Priyanka and Prakriti. Goodbye.”