As has been stated numerous times, yet is worth repeating many times more, the attack on the offices of the Daily Star and Prothom Alo, together with the assault on New Age Editor and President of the Editors’ Council Nurul Kabir, was not simply an attack on two of the most prominent newspapers in the history of this country, but an attack on the very idea of a free press.

At a time when emotions are heightened, tempers are flared, and nefarious entities and individuals are looking to weaponize grief to ensure that misinformation is rampant, it is credible media institutions who speak truth to power and debunk all of the lies that continue to grow exponentially. 

There is no question that every newsroom feels like it is under threat now, and as such, at this critical juncture, solidarity within the media fraternity is most imperative; all of us in the media, from journalists, editors, publishers, and broadcasters must stand shoulder to shoulder. This solidarity must extend beyond words of condemnation and extend towards coordinated advocacy and unified demands for justice. 

We need the perpetrators identified and prosecuted swiftly, not only for justice to be delivered but also to send a clear signal that intimidation of the press will not succeed. There can be no room for impunity here, else even more miscreants will be emboldened to strike again.

Moving forward, especially given the importance of the time and elections around the corner, there must be collective courage and unity. It starts with our leaders to show that they truly care about press freedom beyond merely condemning attacks on it, and then extends to us. We must ensure that truth continues to shine, even as those within our society try to extinguish it.