Attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star offices equal to assault on press freedom: Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor also flagged 'the forced suspension of visa services at the Indian Assistant High Commissions in Khulna and Rajshahi, driven by escalating security threats,' calling them a major setback.
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP and former state minister for external affairs of India, has expressed concern over recent attacks and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Bangladesh, calling them an assault on press freedom and pluralistic society.
In a statement on the social media platform X yesterday (20 December), Tharoor also highlighted his concern for the safety of Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam and other journalists amid the violence.
Deeply concerned by the reports from Bangladesh. The targeted mob attacks and arson at the offices of @ProthomAlo and The @dailystarnews are more than just an assault on two media houses; they are an assault on the freedom of the press and the very foundation of a pluralistic…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 20, 2025
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The Indian lawmaker also mentioned "the forced suspension of visa services at the Indian Assistant High Commissions in Khulna and Rajshahi, driven by escalating security threats," calling them a major setback.
"This disruption directly impacts students, patients and families who were finally seeing a glimpse of normalisation in cross-border mobility," he added.
With the general election scheduled for 12 February next year, "this atmosphere of violence and intolerance bodes ill for the democratic process," Tharoor said.
He made several recommendations to the interim government: ensuring the protection of journalists, security of diplomatic missions and restoration of calm.
"Stability in Bangladesh is vital for the entire region. We hope for a return to peace and a safe environment where the voice of the people is heard through the ballot, not through violence and intimidation," Tharoor said.
