Dhaka, Bangladesh — The Prothom Alo headquarters in Karwan Bazar was severely damaged in an attack that included vandalism, looting, and arson, leading to an estimated loss of Tk32 crore, as detailed in a police report presented in court on December 22. The Tejgaon police have identified 15 suspects linked to the violent incident and brought them before the judicial system.
According to the report from Tejgaon police inspector Abdul Hannan, damages may rise following further assessments. The case was initiated by Major (Retd) Md Sajjadul Kabir, the head of security at Prothom Alo, who lodged a complaint under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The assault occurred late on December 18 when a group of 20 to 30 individuals, armed with makeshift weapons and incendiary devices, attempted to storm the office. On-duty officers successfully thwarted this direct attack. However, the assailants regrouped outside, where they shouted inflammatory slogans in an effort to stir public unrest and called for others to join their ranks.
Inside the building, the attackers assaulted employees and damaged furniture, throwing items like sofas and chairs from upper floors. They set up bonfires with the wreckage, seeking to instill panic among nearby residents and disrupt the newspaper’s operations.
In their chaotic rampage, the group specifically targeted valuable equipment, vandalizing over 150 computers and laptops valued at approximately Tk1.75 crore and looting about Tk75 lakh stored in company lockers. They also pilfered various materials from the Prothom Prakashan sales outlet on the ground floor.
The fire set during the incursion inflicted extensive damage to vital infrastructure, destroying servers, accounting records, insurance documents, contracts, and other important materials. Furthermore, the attackers deliberately targeted security cameras and recording devices in a bid to erase evidence of their actions.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, reflecting broader concerns about media freedom and safety for those in the journalism profession. This violent assault raises significant questions regarding the security of media institutions, particularly in a climate where dissent and criticism can provoke violent backlash.