Dhaka, December 23, 2025 —
The recent attack on the offices of Bangladesh’s leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star has triggered widespread condemnation from journalists, politicians, and civil society leaders, who describe the incident as a deliberate and coordinated assault on independent journalism and democratic values.
According to police and case documents, the attacks involved vandalism, looting, and arson, allegedly aimed at intimidating media workers and disrupting publication. The First Information Report (FIR) filed by Prothom Alo characterizes the incident as a “planned attack,” alleging that assailants illegally entered the premises, set fire to property, destroyed evidence, and attempted to instill fear among journalists. Similar legal proceedings are underway in connection with the attack on The Daily Star office.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman said several suspects have been arrested and evidence recovered. However, the inclusion of an estimated 400 to 500 unidentified individuals as accused has raised serious concerns among journalists and human rights activists, who warn that such provisions have previously been misused for political or arbitrary arrests.
Journalist Jaima Islam of The Daily Star cautioned against the abuse of “unnamed accused” cases, urging authorities to ensure that no innocent people are detained and that due process is strictly followed. She also called on journalists to report responsibly, relying strictly on verified information.
Analysts and academics argue that the attacks cannot be viewed in isolation. Many link them to a broader pattern of mob violence and intimidation targeting media outlets, cultural institutions, and dissenting voices. Dhaka University peace and conflict studies professor Dr. Sazzad Siddiqui said the sequence of events surrounding recent political tensions suggests coordination rather than coincidence.
Police officials, however, defended their response, stating that the use of lethal force could have resulted in casualties and further escalation. DMP Additional Commissioner S. N. Md. Nazrul Islam said avoiding loss of life was a priority, noting that police personnel are still recovering from trauma experienced during unrest in recent years.
Following the attacks, the government has increased security for the editors of both newspapers, assigning armed guards and reinforcing protection at their residences. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the measures were taken in response to credible security threats.
Political leaders and civil society representatives have voiced strong criticism. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described the incident as “an attack not only on the media but on democracy itself,” while Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the interim government cannot evade responsibility for what he called a systematic suppression of free thought and dissent.
Rights activists warn that unless the masterminds behind the attacks are identified and held accountable, press freedom in Bangladesh may face even greater risks in the days ahead.
