Dhaka journalists protest attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 22 December 2025 | JP Asia Desk
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In Dhaka, journalists organized protests following vandalism at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. They called for accountability and stronger protections for media institutions.Summary
DHAKA — Journalists in Bangladesh’s capital staged protests after arson and vandalism targeted the offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, prompting renewed concern over the safety of media institutions.
Reporters and media workers gathered to condemn the attacks, describing them as a direct assault on independent journalism and the public’s right to information. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and called for stronger protection of news organizations.
Threats to media institutions
Demonstrators warned that continued impunity for attacks on media infrastructure risks normalizing violence against the press. They argued that failure to hold perpetrators accountable undermines public confidence in independent reporting and encourages further intimidation.
The attacks occurred outside any declared conflict situation, reinforcing journalists’ concerns that physical threats to newsrooms are becoming an entrenched risk rather than an isolated incident. Media workers said such actions disrupt reporting operations and create fear among staff.
Press freedom concerns in Bangladesh
Press freedom advocates note that attacks on prominent outlets carry wider implications for the country’s media environment. Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are among Bangladesh’s most influential English and Bengali-language newspapers, and incidents targeting them resonate across the journalism community.
While authorities have not publicly detailed the status of investigations, journalists said accountability and transparency are essential to restoring trust. Protesters stressed that safeguarding media institutions is a prerequisite for credible public discourse and democratic oversight.
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on journalist protests, statements from media workers, and coverage by Bangladeshi news outlets.
PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only
KEY POINTS:
- Journalists protested in Dhaka after arson and vandalism at major newspaper offices.
- Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were among the outlets targeted.
- Protesters demanded immediate arrests and accountability.
- Journalists warned that impunity threatens press freedom and public trust.
- Attacks highlighted ongoing physical risks to media institutions.
