The offices of the Daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were attacked, vandalized, and set on fire last night following news of the death of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Fire service personnel successfully extinguished the flames this morning, Friday, after a nearly 10-hour operation.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police has since cordoned off the Prothom Alo building (CA Bhaban), declaring it a "Crime Scene" and restricting public access. A chemical expert team is expected to arrive shortly to collect evidence. Police officials confirmed that the office will remain closed until the forensic investigation is complete.
The unrest erupted after Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, passed away at Singapore General Hospital. Hadi had been undergoing treatment since December 12, after being shot by unidentified assailants during an election campaign. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has visited the site to inspect the damage, which includes the total destruction of the Prothom Prakashni bookstore.
