Graphic Photos: Blogger Hacked to Death after Posting Atheist and Anti-Islamic Views

Niloy Neel

A Bangladeshi blogger has been hacked to death by a gang armed with machetes. This happened yesterday.

Niloy Neel, 40 years old and known for his atheist views and criticism of Islam,was attacked at his home in capital Dhaka. He is believed to be the fourth secularist blogger to have been killed this year by suspected Islamist militants in Bangladesh.

Imran Sarkar, head of the Bangladesh Blogger and Activist Network, told the BBC:

He was the voice against fundamentalism and extremism and was even a voice for minority rights - especially women's rights and the rights of indigenous people."

Dhaka Police spokesman, Muntashirul Islam, said they are investigating the murder. Ansar al-Islam Bangladesh, an al Qaeda group, has claimed responsibility for the killing.

In an unconfirmed emailed statement seen by CNN, Mufti Abdullah Ashraf, who claims to be the group's spokesman, said:

"By the permission of Allah, this operation took place today. We declare war against these worst enemies of Allah and his messenger."

See the graphic pics after the cut.

Scene: Neel's body is removed from his home

Photos of Neel and his wife

Mourners