Bangladesh Media Leaders Say Journalists' Right to Life Now at Risk After Mob Attacks

Bangladeshi journalists have raised urgent concerns about their safety following violent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka, highlighting that their “right to stay alive” is now under threat. The incidents occurred after mobs vandalized and set ablaze newspaper offices, trapping staff on rooftops for hours as police and fire services struggled to reach the scene.

Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam emphasized that the attacks were not merely protests against media content, but targeted attempts to harm journalists. Social media posts reportedly called for media workers to be hunted down at their homes, intensifying fears of a coordinated assault on the press in Bangladesh.

Police defended their delayed response, citing concerns that immediate intervention could have escalated the violence and endangered lives. Nevertheless, authorities confirmed the arrest of nine individuals connected to the attacks, which also targeted cultural organizations Chhayanaut and Udichi Shilpi Goshthi following the death of radical right-wing leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Singapore.

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Hadi, a prominent critic of India and former key figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 pro-democracy uprising, had recently passed away, prompting mobs to accuse the newspapers of supporting foreign interests and the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government condemned the violence but described the attackers as fringe elements, sparking criticism from journalists and rights groups for failing to ensure media safety.

Editors and media owners stressed that the events signify a deeper threat to Bangladesh’s free press, with journalists increasingly fearful of performing their duties. Anam noted that the media’s struggle has shifted from freedom of expression to a fight for survival, as reporters now face potential harm merely for being present at their workplaces.

Rights groups have called for stronger protective measures for journalists, urging the interim government to ensure accountability and prevent further attacks. As Dhaka grapples with political unrest, the safety and independence of the press remain a critical concern for the country’s democratic future.

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