Prothom Alo, Daily Star office attacks a terrifying moment in Bangladesh's democracy: EU envoy
Michael Miller says as Bangladesh moves towards an election, it is especially important to maintain space for freedom of expression.
European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said the arson attack and vandalism of the offices of leading dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star constitute an assault on press freedom and freedom of expression, terming them a terrifying moment for Bangladesh's democracy.
While visiting the Prothom Alo office at Karwan Bazar in Dhaka this afternoon (21 December), the EU ambassador strongly condemned and protested the attacks and looting carried out there late Thursday, reports the Bangla daily.
Standing in front of the Prothom Alo building gutted by fire during the attack, Miller observed the situation on the ground, before speaking with senior journalists of the daily to learn about the overall circumstances surrounding the incident.
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The EU ambassador also inquired about the role of law enforcement agencies in bringing the situation under control.
Miller said as Bangladesh moves towards an election, slated for 12 February, it is especially important to maintain space for freedom of expression.
He added that he hopes such incidents never occur again.
The ambassador said that in order to ensure the election proceeds peacefully and fairly, newspapers must continue publication, news reporting must remain uninterrupted and accountability must be ensured.
