Bangladesh Media Offices Attacked: 150 Computers, Cash and Food Looted, CCTVs Smashed

Bangladesh witnessed one of its darkest nights for press freedom as violent mobs attacked leading media organisations in Dhaka and several other cities, forcing the unprecedented shutdown of two of the country's biggest newspapers.

The offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were vandalised, looted and set on fire following protests triggered by the death of a youth leader, Sharif Osman Hadi. For the first time in its 27-year history, Prothom Alo was forced to suspend operations, while The Daily Star halted publication for the first time in 33 years without a holiday.

The Night Prothom Alo Came Under Siege

Detailing the attack, Prothom Alo said a mob of around 30 to 35 people marched from Shahbagh to its Karwan Bazar office at around 11:15 pm on Thursday. Police initially blocked their attempt to storm the building, after which the group gathered outside, shouting slogans and issuing threats.

"When they tried to attack, the police stopped them. Failing, they took positions in front of the office and started shouting various slogans. Then some of them started making various threats, including burning Prothom Alo and attacking anyone from Prothom Alo if they found them," the newspaper wrote.

According to the publication, attackers searched mobile phones of people nearby, assaulted traders and hawkers, and continued their intimidation for nearly 90 minutes. Prothom Alo alleged that people living abroad incited the violence through social media posts, which brought additional attackers from Shahbagh.

Offices Ransacked, Computers Looted, Fire Set

At around 12:15 am, the mob forced its way into the four-storey building by smashing glass windows and breaking the main gate shutters. Furniture, documents and equipment were thrown together and set ablaze.

"They completely destroyed the building's firefighting system. CCTV cameras were also broken," Prothom Alo said.

The attackers looted over 150 computers and laptops, cash from lockers, personal belongings from staff desks, and books from Prothoma Prakash's sales centre on the ground floor.

"They looted more than 150 computers and laptops, multiple lockers for storing money, cash, and personal belongings from the employees' desks. Some were also seen taking books from Prothoma Prakash's own sales center on the ground floor of the building. Nothing was left on the first, second, and third floors of the building," it added.

As the fire spread to neighbouring buildings around 1 am, the power connection next to the office also caught fire. Despite repeated calls, fire service teams were initially unable to reach the site.

"At that time, Prothom Alo repeatedly contacted the fire service and law enforcement agencies. However, the fire service personnel were unable to reach the scene due to the attackers' obstruction and roadblocks."

When the first fire service unit reached near Karwan Bazar metro station at around 1:45 am, it was attacked.

"The first unit of the fire service reached the Karwan Bazar metro station near the office building at around 1:45 am but was attacked by a group of terrorists."

Firefighting operations only began after the attackers moved towards The Daily Star office around 2:30 am.

"By the time the fire service was able to put out the fire, the Prothom Alo office was completely burnt down... nothing was left inside."

Terror Inside The Daily Star Newsroom

The Daily Star newsroom was operating normally when staff began receiving warnings that a mob was approaching after vandalising another newspaper office nearby.

"The mob may come towards our office at any moment," a reporter warned colleagues.

As staff attempted to evacuate, the mob entered the building, smashing glass and furniture. Around 28 journalists and employees ran upstairs and locked themselves on the rooftop as thick black smoke engulfed the area.

"As smoke rose through the building, everyone began struggling to breathe. Eyes burned. Throats tightened. The group moved from one corner of the rooftop to another, desperately searching for spots where the air felt slightly lighter," the newspaper wrote.

Despite worsening conditions, the staff refused to evacuate using a crane as attackers remained active on the ground until around 4:30 am. An army officer later rescued them.

The Daily Star office was looted of computers, cameras and food from the canteen. Photos of July martyrs Abu Sayeed and Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mughdeh displayed on the building were torn down.

Attacks Spread Nationwide, Press Freedom in Focus

Outside Dhaka, Prothom Alo offices in Kushtia, Khulna and Sylhet were vandalised, while attempts were made to target offices in Chittagong, Bogra and Barisal.

Prothom Alo said it has faced pressure from multiple governments over the years due to its independent reporting but has never compromised its principles. It recalled remarks made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Parliament.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in the July mass uprising, said in the National Parliament on April 10, 2023, 'Prothom Alo is an enemy of the Awami League. Prothom Alo is the enemy of democracy'," the paper noted.

Calling the violence a defining moment for journalism in the country, The Daily Star described the attacks as one of the "darkest days for independent journalism in Bangladesh" and warned that such incidents "must not be taken lightly."