Print and online operations of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star suspended after overnight fire, vandalism
Additionally, The Business Standard was unable to print the city edition for Friday as the press was shut down due to security concerns.
Bangladesh's two leading newspapers, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, have temporarily suspended their print and online operations following devastating fire attacks on their offices during violent unrest in the capital following the death of Inqilab Mancha Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi in the early hours of today (19 December).
The Daily Star wrote on their Facebook page, "Following vandalism and arson at our office last night, The Daily Star's publications are temporarily disrupted. We sincerely apologise to our readers and appreciate your patience as we work to restore our online services and publications."
Meanwhile, Prothom Alo wrote, "Last night, the Prothom Alo office was subjected to extensive attacks, vandalism and arson, so it was not possible to continue our normal operations. Therefore, the print version of Prothom Alo could not be published today.
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"The online portal is also temporarily closed. We express our sincere regret to the readers for this. The damaged technical system will be restored as soon as possible and the publication of Prothom Alo online and print will be resumed."
"We are seeking the cooperation of our readers in this regard," added the national daily.
Senior officials of the two dailies told BBC Bangla that employees were evacuated amid the sudden attack and fire incident last night. In such a situation, the office activities of the two dailies have been suspended, and the print version of the two newspapers could not be published today. Online operations have also come to a near halt.
The suspension comes as both media houses suffered extensive damage to newsroom infrastructure which left journalists shaken.
Additionally, The Business Standard was unable to print the city edition for Friday as the press was shut down due to security concerns.
Violence erupted shortly before midnight when large groups of protesters stormed the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar, smashing equipment, destroying workstations, and setting fire to furniture and documents. Hours later, a similar attack targeted the nearby Daily Star building, where fires broke out on the lower floors, filling the newsroom with thick smoke.
Journalists and staff working night shifts were forced to flee for safety, with several taking shelter on rooftops for hours before being rescued by fire service personnel.
No fatalities were reported, though many employees suffered from smoke inhalation and shock.
Meanwhile, Nurul Kabir, the editor of the daily newspaper New Age, was harassed and shoved by a group of protesters as he attempted to reach The Daily Star office last night.
