A grim day for independent journalism

It was among the darkest moments for independent journalism in Bangladesh when two of the country’s leading newspapers—The Daily Star and Prothom Alo—came under attack. Our colleagues, trapped on the rooftop, feared for their lives as a violent mob rampaged through the buildings, vandalising floor after floor and setting fire to the lower levels. At one point, the thick smoke made breathing difficult. Thankfully, no one was injured and all staff members returned home safely due to the timely intervention of the fire service, police and army.

Earlier, alarmed by developments in Shahbagh and a procession advancing towards Prothom Alo’s offices in Karwan Bazar, The Daily Star management contacted the relevant authorities, who assured full support. We are grateful for the assistance provided on the ground. At the same time, we note with concern that a more coordinated and swift response could have spared our colleagues hours of terror and uncertainty as they remained trapped in mortal fear.

While we remember Sharif Osman Hadi as a frontline activist of the July uprising and mourn his untimely death, it is deeply troubling that certain elements have exploited public anger to incite attacks on two newspapers that have consistently upheld objective journalism. This appears to be yet another attempt to foment instability and undermine the forthcoming election. We further warn that such assaults on the press severely damage Bangladesh’s record on freedom of expression and tarnish the country’s image globally.

We urge the government to conduct a thorough investigation, identify both the perpetrators and their instigators, and ensure they are held accountable. This senseless violence against institutions wholly unrelated to Hadi’s shooting—which we unequivocally condemn—must be addressed with the utmost seriousness.

Even as we express gratitude for the assistance received, we cannot ignore the government’s apparent complacency regarding the safety of news organisations despite prior threats and repeated attempts to disrupt their operations. Both The Daily Star and Prothom Alo have faced sustained intimidation from various quarters, yet these threats were neither adequately addressed nor properly investigated. We also extend our deepest thanks to all those who stood by us in solidarity, many of whom did so at great personal risk, including facing physical assault.

The attack that began on Thursday night and continued into the early hours of Friday was not merely an assault on two newspapers. It was an attack on independent journalism, freedom of speech, and the sanctity of private property. It must not be trivialised. We reaffirm to our readers, supporters and critics alike that we will continue—steadfast in our belief in democracy and freedom of expression; unwavering in our resolve to hold power to account; and relentless in our commitment to independent, objective journalism.