The attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices were not merely assaults on newspapers but on freedom of press, dignitaries said yesterday, calling for an environment where the media can report facts freely, courageously, and without intimidation.
They shared their thoughts about the importance of independent journalism while reacting to the attacks as The Daily Star celebrated its 35th anniversary at its office in the capital, where scars of the December 18 assault were displayed.
After seeing the photographs, and installations made from the rubble, politicians, diplomats, academics, business leaders, civil society members, and readers praised The Daily Star’s resilience and wished the newspaper continued strength in its pursuit of independent, objective, and courageous journalism.
They said the newspaper’s decision to publish the next day, despite the arson attack on its office with journalists still inside, reflected the role the media must play in defending truth, public accountability, and democratic values.
I have been here from the first day of The Daily Star. Now I see that after 35 years, it is still alive fearlessly.
Prof Rehman Sobhan
Economist Prof Rehman Sobhan said he had been with The Daily Star from its first day. “Now I see that after 35 years, it is still alive fearlessly,” he said.
About the celebration, he said the newspaper had managed to bring together all the main players, including the leader of the opposition and powerful ministers on the front bench. “This is a very good initiative,” he said.
Abdullah Abu Sayeed, author and founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, said he enjoys reading The Daily Star because it gives him new perspectives and new light, not always found in an average newspaper.
He also said the paper maintains neutrality and practises professional journalism. “For a nation, it is very important that such a newspaper stands strong,” he said.
Political scientist Prof Rounaq Jahan said, “We cannot have our breakfast without The Daily Star.”
She said readers trust The Daily Star as an objective and courageous newspaper, adding that the attack had shocked her. “It is beyond words that such a barbaric attack could take place on an independent newspaper. Nothing can be more condemnable than this,” she added.
She hoped this would be the first and last such attack on The Daily Star. “What I liked most was that, no matter how much intimidation there is, journalists still want to express independent opinions, even at the risk of their lives,” she said.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said The Daily Star had left a memorable mark in journalism, media freedom and social responsibility. He hoped the paper and other media would help build a strong democratic state, in line with public expectations and the 2024 student uprising.
On the attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, he said those involved would soon be brought under the law. “The government is fulfilling its responsibility to uphold the rule of law. As the matter is under investigation, it is not appropriate to say more. But justice will be ensured, and all those involved will face legal action,” he said.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said the brutal attack showed how difficult The Daily Star’s journey had been. “The evidence of destruction shown in the exhibition proves how difficult a path The Daily Star has had to cross.”
He hoped the newspaper would continue to move forward by facing adversity, and should remain attentive to making every report objective. He also said the government had condemned the attacks on media outlets and pledged to resist them.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said freedom of expression in newspapers must not be met with hostility. “If any group reacts with anger, it becomes a major obstacle on democracy’s path. I hope we have overcome that. We must remain vigilant so such incidents do not recur,” he said. “The Daily Star has always spoken for the people, for truth, and for democracy,” he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said, “Stars were born an eternity ago. They reside in the sky and deliver justice to everyone, showing equal light and guidance to all. The Daily Star will show that same thing -- this is our expectation of it as a nation.”
“... [We expect The Daily Star] to give equal importance to all,” he said.
Reacting to the attacks, he said such attacks were regrettable and had happened before in Bangladesh, including the ones involving the Dainik Sangram and Daily Amar Desh. “We never support this kind of mob culture. Our position against it is absolutely clear,” he said.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair termed the attack “deeply frustrating” and “painful”.
“This is unacceptable under any circumstances. No civilised country can allow such acts. It was a major conspiracy, where the inaction of law enforcement played a role,” he said, calling for a proper investigation and punishment of the culprits.
Women’s rights activist Shireen Parveen Huq said The Daily Star is a must with morning tea. “But the main point is that the attack on The Daily Star was not only an attack on The Daily Star. It was an attack on freedom of expression,” she said.
She also said governments and educational institutions had failed to build a culture of tolerance. “My expectation is that The Daily Star will continue without obstruction,” she said.
European Union Ambassador Michael Miller said The Daily Star and Prothom Alo shared their opinions with the world and ensured that Bangladeshi democracy continued to thrive. He said freedom of expression and free media are the backbone of any democratic society.
“Being here today to show solidarity with The Daily Star in the exhibition was a very moving and important moment for us,” Miller said.
UNESCO Country Representative Susan Vize said The Daily Star had developed a strong following because of ethical journalism, fact-checking and detailed reporting. She said its balanced approach with different opinions is important. Independent media are important because dialogue can address issues of public concern, she said. Referring to the attack, she said such attacks could be incited by misinformation and disinformation.
She also said the media had lost public trust, adding that this was not about The Daily Star alone. Citing a Media Reform Commission survey, she said there was a general lack of trust in the media. Trust has to be built long-term, with quality control, standards and public discussion, she said.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque said The Daily Star had built a strong position through many ups and downs. “Because of its firm stance, The Daily Star has established itself as a trusted institution, striving to present accurate information to the nation impartially,” he said.
On the attacks, he said a group had tried to serve its own interests. He hoped The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and other media would continue speaking the truth freely.
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam said the exhibition reminded him of the character of fascism. After seeing the photographs, he said those who carried out the attack could not be a democratic force and did not believe in democracy or press freedom. He said The Daily Star had stood up again despite everything, and many should learn from it.
AK Azad, CEO and managing director of Ha-Meem Group, said the attack was not just on a newspaper, but on honest and courageous journalism, as well as democracy itself. He called for those involved in vandalism and arson to be brought under the law.
Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said he expected more objective journalism from The Daily Star. He said a newspaper should serve its readers, not its owners.
Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, president of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries, echoed Mahmud’s view, saying journalism should be more objective and act as the voice of the people.
Tabith Awal, president of Bangladesh Football Federation and member of BNP’s executive committee, said The Daily Star had upheld journalism on a moral footing for 35 years. In distinguishing fake news from real news, it had become a trusted source, he said. The assault on its office, like earlier attacks on reporters, was deeply worrying, he added.
Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Prof Rais Uddin said The Daily Star had established itself as a credible and responsible media outlet through objective journalism. He termed the arson attack deeply unfortunate and condemnable, and urged the authorities to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
MA Jabbar, managing director of DBL Group, said the aftermath of the fire showed devastation far beyond what was shown on television and in media reports. He praised the resilience, courage and determination of The Daily Star journalists, saying they recovered in a remarkably short time.
Rupali Chowdhury, president of the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the attack a brutal assault on the core principles of journalism. She said such violence was an attempt to intimidate and silence the media, and posed a direct threat to democratic values.
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said he had always found The Daily Star objective and neutral. He said leading newspapers like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo are expected to uphold the truth, even when it is unpopular.
Muhit Rahman, managing director of One Bank, said The Daily Star had maintained objectivity, and everyone should express opinions responsibly.
Sohail RK Hussain, managing director of Bank Asia, praised The Daily Star’s transparency, authenticity and balanced coverage.
Syed Mahbubur Rahman, managing director of Mutual Trust Bank, said the incident was unfortunate, but such challenges often make institutions stronger.
Mohammad Ali, managing director of Pubali Bank, said attempts to undermine a newspaper were unacceptable in a civilised society.
Mati Ul Hasan, managing director of Mercantile Bank, said The Daily Star should continue its tradition of integrity and truth-telling.
Selim RF Hussain, former managing director of BRAC Bank, praised the newspaper’s business pages and commentary, and said he was proud to be a subscriber.
