The Bangladesh Film Exhibitors' Association has strongly condemned the violent attacks and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, calling them a direct assault on press freedom and democratic values.
In a statement issued by its president, Awlad Hossain, the association expressed deep concern and outrage over what it described as organised and targeted acts of terrorism against the country's leading media institutions. Such attacks, the statement said, strike at the very heart of free and independent journalism.
"In a democratic state, a fearless and independent media is one of the most vital pillars of the nation," the statement read. "Attacks, vandalism, and arson against media houses are not merely crimes against individual institutions; they are deliberate attempts to destabilise society and undermine the state itself."
The association said violence of this nature is wholly unacceptable and poses a serious threat to Bangladesh's cultural and democratic environment. It demanded the immediate identification and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the attacks.
At the same time, it urged the authorities to take effective and visible measures to ensure the safety and security of journalists and media organisations, so that similar incidents do not recur in the future.
The statement follows a series of coordinated attacks late Thursday night, when Prothom Alo and The Daily Star came under what have been described as planned and organised assaults. At Prothom Alo's office in Karwan Bazar and The Daily Star's office on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, attackers carried out vandalism, looting, and later set the premises on fire.
As the violence began, journalists and staff members of Prothom Alo were forced to evacuate the building to save their lives. Due to the disruption caused by the attack, Prothom Alo could not publish its print edition on Friday. This marked the first time in the newspaper's 27-year history—outside of scheduled holidays—that its print publication was suspended for an entire day. Its online edition was also offline for nearly 17 hours.
Beyond Dhaka, Prothom Alo offices in Kushtia, Khulna, and Sylhet were also attacked and vandalised. Attempts were reportedly made to attack the newspaper's offices in Chattogram, Bogura, and Barishal as well.
The coordinated assaults on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have sparked widespread concern and anger among journalists, professional bodies, and members of civil society. The Bangladesh Film Exhibitors' Association stressed that protecting media freedom and ensuring the security of news organisations is a fundamental responsibility of the state.
"Freedom of expression cannot survive without a secure press," the statement concluded. "Safeguarding journalists and media institutions is not optional—it is essential to democracy itself."
