9 Detained as Police Identify 31 Suspects in Media Attacks

Law enforcement agencies have intensified their crackdown on individuals responsible for the recent violence against national dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as two cultural organizations. According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, at least nine suspects have been arrested following raids across Dhaka and various districts up until the morning of 22 December.

During a briefing with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, officials confirmed that video footage analysis has led to the preliminary identification of 31 suspects linked to the vandalism and looting.

Police have identified several detainees, including individuals with prior criminal records. Notably, Md Sohel Rana faces 13 existing cases, including narcotics offenses, while Md Shafikul Islam has a history involving arson and explosives.

Arrestee Md Naim was apprehended in Cumilla with Tk50,000 in stolen cash. He confessed to looting Tk123,000, which he used to purchase a television and a refrigerator; both appliances have been recovered by the police.

Rakib Hossain was identified through video footage as an active participant in the arson and vandalism. He reportedly shared photos of the damaged media offices and provocative content on his social media accounts.

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and the Detective Branch (DB) are currently verifying the identities of two additional suspects.

Separately, authorities have identified three individuals via video footage for attempting to incite disorder near the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Chattogram.