DHAKA, Bangladesh — In a shocking turn of events, a case was filed against hundreds of unnamed assailants following a violent attack on The Daily Star’s office last Thursday night. Officials report that the incident involved vandalism, arson, and looting, raising serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.
On December 19, a group estimated to number between 350 and 400 people launched a coordinated assault on the newspaper’s headquarters, leading to significant damage to property and endangering lives. Kya Shi Nyu Marma, the officer-in-charge at Tejgaon Police Station, confirmed that charges range from inciting riots to illegal trespassing and arson, all under various legal frameworks, including the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Cyber Security Ordinance.
Mizanur Rahman, operations chief at The Daily Star, lodged the complaint after the attack, which saw assailants equipped with makeshift weapons and incendiaries gather outside the building around 12:25 a.m. Witnesses reported that the mob shouted inflammatory slogans directed at the publication. Just minutes later, they breached the property, initiating a spree of violence that left staff members trapped inside and forced to endure harrowing hours as the situation escalated.
Once inside, the perpetrators inflicted severe physical harm on employees, looted valuable equipment, and set fire to various materials throughout the office. An estimated 200 pieces of electronic gear, valued at around Tk 5 crore, may have been lost along with Tk 35 lakh in cash. The attack compromised the integrity of vital documents, including tax records required by national authorities.
The damage extended beyond the immediate destruction; the mob intentionally disabled critical safety systems within the building, including fire suppression and security cameras, complicating recovery efforts. Estimated losses from the assault are around Tk 40 crore and might increase as further assessments are conducted.
As the flames engulfed multiple floors of the building, the situation posed a substantial threat to surrounding properties. Firefighters struggled to reach the site due to the mobs’ interference, delaying vital rescue operations. Fortunately, around 30 employees were successfully evacuated thanks to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement and fire services.
In the wake of this devastating event, The Daily Star has halted its print edition and paused online operations for an extended period. This attack represents not only a significant blow to the publication but also raises alarming questions about the safety of media institutions in Bangladesh and underscores the ongoing threats to journalistic freedom.