Dhaka, April 6 -- Journalist leaders have expressed deep resentment over the prolonged delay in the Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi murder case, alleging that "deep state" influence and investigative negligence have stalled justice for 14 years.

Speaking at a protest rally on the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) premises on Monday, speakers alleged that the truth about the double murder has been suppressed since 2012.

"The authorities promised progress within 48 hours of the murders, but 14 years later, nothing has materialised," said journalist Harun Ur Rashid Swapan.

"There are suspicions that a powerful group behind the curtain has manipulated this case. Both the previous government and subsequent administrations have attempted to hush it...