US condemns barbaric murder of student in Bangladesh

The US today condemned the "barbaric murder" of a law student who was killed for speaking out against violent Islamist extremism in Bangladesh.
Nazimuddin Samad, 28, a masters student of the state-run Jagannath University's law department who posted comments against radical Islamists on Facebook, was killed by suspected militants in Dhaka's Sutrapur area last night.
"We offer our condolences to Mr Nazimuddin Samad's family and our unwavering support to the Bangladeshi people in their struggle against violent extremism," State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said.
"Nazimuddin knew and Bangladesh's history has shown that violence will not defeat the country's proud tradition of free and independent discourse. So we stand with the Bangladeshi people in rejecting this vicious act, and uniting to preserve a tolerant and inclusive society that protects freedom of expression," Toner said.

"The United States will continue to support the government of Bangladesh in its efforts to combat terrorism, counter violent extremism, and bring to justice those who commit such heinous acts," Toner said.