December 22, 2025
DHAKA – It was one of the darkest days for independent journalism in Bangladesh when two of its largest newspapers — The Daily Star and Prothom Alo — were attacked.
Our colleagues, trapped on the roof, feared for their lives as a mob vandalised one floor after another and set fire to the lower floors. Although at one point it became difficult for them to breathe because of the smoke, no one has been hurt and everyone has returned home safe thanks to the efforts of the fire service, police and army.
Earlier, alarmed by the developments at Shahbagh followed by a procession towards Prothom Alo offices in Karwan Bazar, TDS management had called all the authorities concerned and they had duly promised all help. We are thankful to the authorities for their assistance on the ground. However, we also note with concern that a better coordinated response would have meant less trauma for our trapped colleagues who spent several hours in grave uncertainty in a mortal fear.
Even while we remember Sharif Osman Hadi’s role in the July uprising as one of its frontline activists and are deeply saddened by his untimely demise, we note with concern that certain elements and quarters have exploited the public anger to incite mobs against two newspapers that have always stood for objective journalism. It appears that this is another attempt at creating an environment of instability in the country to derail the forthcoming election. We further point out with grave apprehension that this attack on newspapers will reflect badly on Bangladesh’s freedom of speech and erode the country’s image across the globe.
We urge the government to take necessary steps to investigate this incident, identify the culprits as well as their instigators, and bring them to book. This senseless act of violence against certain institutions that had nothing to do with Hadi’s shooting, which we categorically condemn, must be dealt with in all seriousness.
Thankful as we are, we cannot help but take note of the government’s relaxed attitude towards the safety and security of news outlets despite previous threats and efforts to disrupt their operations. Both The Daily Star and Prothom Alo have been under repeated threats from different quarters but they were neither dealt with seriously nor investigated. We express our sincerest gratitude to all those who came forward to support us in solidarity despite grave risks — some braving physical assault.
This attack of Thursday night that continued through the early hours of Friday is not merely an attack on two newspapers. It is an attack on independent journalism, freedom of speech, and the sanctity of private property. This must not be taken lightly.
We take this opportunity to reaffirm our readers, our advocates as well as our detractors, that we shall continue. We shall continue with unabashed conviction in democracy and freedom of speech. We shall continue with unflagging commitment to hold power to account. We shall continue with unrelenting dedication to independent and objective journalism.