'Assault on press freedom': INMA condemns attacks on Prothom Alo, The Daily Star offices

The International News Media Association (INMA) has strongly condemned the recent violent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka, describing them as direct assaults on press freedom, democratic dialogue, and the safety of journalists.

In a statement, the global media body said it was "deeply alarmed" by the incidents, which caused extensive damage to the newsrooms and forced the temporary suspension of operations at two of Bangladesh's leading newspapers.

"These attacks are not merely assaults on property. They are direct attacks on press freedom, democratic dialogue, and the safety of journalists," INMA said, stressing that a free and independent press is essential for informed public debate and the functioning of democratic societies.

INMA strongly condemned mob violence against media organisations and expressed solidarity with the journalists, editors, and staff of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

As a global association serving news media leaders, INMA said it is supporting its members during the crisis by amplifying their voices internationally, engaging peer networks, and mobilising industry attention in defence of journalists' safety and independence.

The organisation urged governments, civil society, media organisations, and international partners to ensure the immediate safety and protection of journalists and newsrooms, uphold constitutional and international standards of press freedom without intimidation or violence, and support the rapid restoration of independent news operations in Bangladesh.

"Attacks on news media anywhere are a threat to journalism everywhere," the statement said, reaffirming INMA's commitment to defending press freedom globally.

INMA is the world's leading provider of global best practices for news media companies and represents more than 16,000 members from nearly 900 media organisations across over 70 countries.