Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday said the actual motive behind the attack on UNO Wahida Khanam should be found out through a judicial probe.

Saying that the gruesome attack was aimed at stealing is an ill-attempt, the graft watchdog said in a statement and urged the government to ensure exemplary punishment of the real culprits after identifying them through the probe.

It is very frustrating that such a grievous incident has been described as "mere theft" and "stray incident" based on primary confession of a suspect, said TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman.

He referred to media reports that the officer became the target because of her firm stance against corruption, illegal sand lifting, and brick kilns in Ghoraghat upazila of Dinajpur.

Iftekharuzzaman stressed the need to find out whether local influential and corrupt groups had a role in the attack.

Such an attack happened because of the lack of instance of trial of people who in the past attacked local administration officials, he said.

The attack on the UNO is a clear example of a culture of impunity that has developed in the country, he said.