The International Press Institute (IPI) expresses alarm about last night鈥檚 attack and vandalization of the Daily Star and Prothom Alo buildings, which endangered the lives of more than two dozen journalists. IPI calls on authorities to act quickly to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these attacks.
On the night of December 18, hundreds of protestors to the Dhaka offices of the Daily Star and Prothom Alo, two of Bangladesh鈥檚 leading newspapers, trapping journalists and media workers inside for hours before they were by members of the army and fire department. 听
The attacks on the Daily Star and Prothom Alo occurred amid a night of in Bangladesh following of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, days after he was shot in Dhaka. Hadi was a key figure in the student-led protest movement that triggered the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Political tensions have been on the rise as Bangladesh prepares for in February 2026 鈥� the first since Hasina鈥檚 departure.
As a result of the extensive damage to their buildings, both newspapers were forced to operations, the Daily Star for the first time in 35 years, and Prothom Alo for the in 27 years.
“It is one of the darkest days for independent journalism in Bangladesh,” the Daily Star said condemning the arson attacks. In the statement, the Daily Star also called on authorities to step up protections for the media, noting the Daily Star and Prothom Alo have faced repeated in the past.听
鈥淟ast night鈥檚 arson attacks on two of Bangladesh鈥檚 leading newspapers are a direct attack on press freedom, and by extension, democracy itself,鈥� said IPI Director of Advocacy Amy Brouillette. 鈥淚PI is deeply concerned this episode of violence will further erode the environment for free media in Bangladesh, which was already under threat before the events of last night. We call on authorities to act quickly to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these horrendous attacks and make clear that those responsible for attacks on independent media will be held accountable.鈥澨�