‘Dark day for independent media’: What Prothom Alo, Daily Star said following attacks on their offices

The Daily Star today (19 December) resumed its online operations after overnight vandalism and arson attack at its office by a group of protesters, describing the incident as "one of the darkest days for independent journalism in Bangladesh".

In a report published after resuming operations, the English-language daily said both The Daily Star and Prothom Alo — the country's two largest newspapers — were attacked during violent unrest in the capital on the night of 18 December.

"Our colleagues, trapped on the roof, feared for their lives as a mob vandalised one floor after another and set fire to the lower floors," the newspaper reported. 

Although thick smoke made breathing difficult at one point, no one was injured, and all staff members returned home safely with assistance from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, police, and Bangladesh Army.

The Daily Star said its management had alerted authorities after being alarmed by developments at Shahbagh and a subsequent procession towards the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar. While thanking the authorities for their assistance on the ground, the newspaper noted that a better coordinated response could have reduced the trauma endured by staff members who remained trapped for several hours amid grave uncertainty.

Expressing deep sorrow over the death of Inqilab Mancha Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and acknowledging his role as a frontline activist in last year's July Uprising, the newspaper said certain elements had exploited public anger to incite mobs against media organisations that have consistently upheld objective journalism.

The report further warned that such attacks risk creating instability in the country and could undermine the forthcoming national election, while also damaging Bangladesh's global image and freedom of expression.

The Daily Star urged the government to investigate the attacks, identify both perpetrators and instigators, and bring them to justice.

Similarly, Prothom Alo also issued a statement, saying, "At the time of the attack, our journalists were working on running the online news portal as well as preparing the print edition for 19 December. The staff faced complete lack of security and their lives were put in danger during this attack."

The newspaper further stated that the attackers caused extensive damage to the office building and set it on fire. The prolonged fire destroyed the building and valuable assets and important documents.

"Prior to the attack, fearing a possible assault on the office, Prothom Alo had reached out to high-level government authorities and various law enforcement agencies seeking security. However, the office was attacked before any assistance could arrive.

"Journalists and staff on duty had to leave the office to save their lives. Members of law enforcement and the Fire Service eventually arrived and brought the situation under control," it said.

Due to this attack, the extensive destruction, and the fire, which happened for the first time in its 27-year history, Prothom Alo said it was unable to publish its print edition for Friday and its online operations were also suspended for a considerable period.

"There is reasonable cause to believe that a vested interest group deliberately orchestrated these attacks to exploit the tragic killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi," it said in the statement.

This was a dark day for independent media, the statement said, adding that through these events, not only was an attempt made to disrupt the upcoming election, but Bangladesh's image at the international level was also severely targeted.

"This terrorist attack is a clear example of a direct assault on democracy, press freedom, and the right to express differing opinions. We strongly condemn this incident. We also demand a proper investigation and that those responsible be identified and brought to justice," said Prothom Alo.