The Editors' Council and the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) have issued a joint statement strongly condemning the violent attacks on the country’s leading newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Terming the incidents an "assault on Bangladesh," the organizations expressed deep anger over the vandalism, arson, and infrastructure damage that occurred on Thursday night.
The violence erupted following the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.
Editors' Council President and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir was physically harassed and shoved by protesters while attempting to reach The Daily Star office.
The Chhayanaut building in Dhanmondi was also targeted and attacked on the same night.
The statement signed by Nurul Kabir and NOAB President AK Azad labeled the incidents a "severe deterioration of law and order." They criticized the interim government and law enforcement agencies for a "repeated failure to prevent organized mob violence." While Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called the editors of both dailies to assure them of security, the media bodies insisted that the government must take responsibility for the lapse in protection.
The Editors' Council and NOAB are demanding the immediate identification and arrest of the perpetrators.6 They called upon civil society, political parties, and professional bodies to unite in ensuring exemplary punishment for those involved in the attacks and the harassment of journalists.
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