Chinese envoy condemns attacks on Star

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has strongly condemned the recent attacks, vandalism and arson at the office of The Daily Star in Dhaka, expressing solidarity with the newspaper and support for independent media.

He made the remarks during a visit to The Daily Star building yesterday, which was vandalised, looted and set on fire in the early hours of December 19. 

He described the attacks as unacceptable and emphasised that violence against media institutions undermines freedom of expression and the rule of law. Yao Wen said China firmly supports the role of independent media in a democratic society, and lauded The Daily Star’s stance on democracy, freedom of speech and human rights. 

He also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of journalists and media organisations so they can carry out their professional duties without fear or intimidation.