The Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) have strongly condemned the attack, vandalism and arson at the offices of leading national dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on late Thursday night.
They described the incidents as a grave assault on the media, democratic values and the country itself.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the two organisations expressed deep concern, disappointment, and strong condemnation over what they termed a heinous incident, saying the late-night attacks caused significant damage to critical infrastructure and property of the two institutions and put the lives of journalists at serious risk.
They said the incidents reflected a severe deterioration in law and order and exposed the failure of the state to uphold its responsibility, adding that the attacks were not isolated events, but part of a continuing pattern of failure by the interim government to prevent mob violence and organised aggression.
The Editors’ Council and NOAB said the attacks on media offices proved that law enforcement agencies had completely failed to play an effective role in curbing crime, while also condemning the attack on Chhayanaut and expressing protest against that incident.
They noted that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam to reassure them about security and express solidarity, but said responsibility for the attacks and the failure to control the law and order situation must rest with the interim government.
The statement mentioned that assurances or statements were not enough and demanded the immediate identification and arrest of those involved, along with exemplary punishment, including for those responsible for the harassment of Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir.
The Editors’ Council and NOAB also called on professional bodies, business groups, civil society, political parties and journalists’ organisations to express solidarity with the demand for justice.
The joint statement was signed by Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and NOAB President AK Azad.
