Major newspapers attacked during violent unrest in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s leading newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, faced a night of violence after their offices were attacked, vandalised, and set on fire. The unrest followed an anti-India protest linked to the death of a youth leader.
Media operations forced to shut down
Both newspapers said they were forced to stop operations for the first time in their history, apart from official holidays.
- Prothom Alo did not publish its print edition for a day
- Its website was shut for about 17 hours
- The Daily Star also suspended reporting for a full day
Attack on Prothom Alo office
According to Prothom Alo, the attack on its Karwan Bazar office began around 11:15 pm on Thursday. A group of attackers gathered outside the building, shouted slogans, and issued threats.
Later, more people joined the mob, allegedly encouraged through social media platforms. By midnight, attackers broke into the building.
Heavy damage and large-scale looting
The attackers caused serious destruction inside the Prothom Alo office:
- Glass windows and gates were broken
- CCTV cameras and firefighting systems were destroyed
- More than 150 computers and laptops were looted
- Cash, lockers, and personal belongings were stolen
Almost nothing was left undamaged on the first three floors of the building.
Daily Star office set on fire
Witnesses said that around midnight, nearly 200 attackers forced their way into The Daily Star office. They vandalised the premises and set fire to furniture and newspapers.
The fire spread up to the third floor, filling the building with thick smoke.
28 journalists trapped on rooftop
During the attack, 28 journalists and staff members of The Daily Star were trapped on the rooftop. Smoke made it difficult to breathe, and fear spread among those stuck.
A senior reporter posted on social media saying:
“I can’t breathe. Lots of smoke. I’m trapped inside.”
Rescue under fear and uncertainty
Although firefighters reached the scene, the trapped staff feared being attacked by the mob if they were lowered by crane. They requested rescue teams to wait.
Later, an army officer reached the rooftop. After carefully confirming his identity, the journalists followed him quietly down the stairs.
They were told:
- Not to use phone lights
- Not to make any noise
Journalism under threat
The Daily Star called the incident one of the darkest days for independent journalism in Bangladesh. Both media houses said the attack was a serious threat to press freedom and must not be ignored.
Serious concerns over press safety
The violent attacks have raised strong concerns about the safety of journalists and the protection of independent media during times of unrest in Bangladesh.
