NOAB: Press Freedom Under Serious Threat

The Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) yesterday voiced concern over ongoing threats to media freedom. In a statement, NOAB strongly condemned the recent sit-ins, attacks, and acts of vandalism outside the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, describing these actions as attempts to "create chaos" that disrupt the practice and environment of journalism.

The statement, signed by NOAB President AK Azad, emphasized that individuals with objections to any news or editorial stance should express their views through intellectual discourse or writing, rather than resorting to disruptive actions.

According to NOAB, certain individuals recently attempted to cause chaos by gathering in front of Prothom Alo's headquarters in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. While law enforcement later dispersed the crowd, similar incidents continued on Sunday.

NOAB urged the government to take decisive action against mob-driven attacks on institutions, including media outlets, and called on all stakeholders to avoid activities that undermine media freedom.