National flag lowered nationwide; Janaza today at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban

Alliance leaders say attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo aimed at sabotaging elections and reforms

It was one of the darkest days for independent journalism in Bangladesh when two of its largest newspapers -- The Daily Star and Prothom Alo -- were attacked.

Mobs vandalise, torch The Daily Star, Prothom Alo offices in nightlong mayhem; 28 Star journos rescued after being trapped for hours on rooftop

The body of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and one of the frontliners of the July uprising, reached the country yesterday.

A garment worker was beaten to death by a mob in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila on Thursday night over allegations of “hurting religious sentiments”.

Major political parties yesterday condemned the attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, describing the violence as a threat to democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law, and an attempt to derail the upcoming national election.

Journalist organisations, rights bodies, cultural groups and members of civil society yesterday strongly condemned the attacks, arson and looting at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, and the vandalism of cultural organisation Chhayanaut, saying they were a direct assault on press freedom and the public’s right to information.

Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age and president of the Editors’ Council, was harassed in front of The Daily Star office near Farmgate in Dhaka early yesterday.

Strike at the heart of press freedom

The United Nations, diplomatic missions and international rights organisations have condemned the attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo and the violence that erupted following the death of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi on Thursday.

The Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) have expressed deep concern, anger, and strong condemnation over the attacks, vandalism, and arson at the offices of leading dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

The government has urged the people of the country to resist all forms of mob violence committed by a few fringe elements.

Calls for unity against anarchy and conspiracy

This attack is not just on media, but ultimately an attack on Bangladesh, they say

Reporter recounts how vandalism, smoke, and security threats shut down the newsroom

Work underway to identify those involved, says Farooki

Asks authorities to investigate into the killing

Such acts could be a planned attempt to divert the movement in a different direction, he says

New envoy likely to arrive in Dhaka early next year, says a US embassy official