Can't Breathe: Mobs Attack Daily Star, Prothom Alo; Journalists Trapped Amid Bangladesh Unrest

• Violent protests erupted across Bangladesh after the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot on December 12 and died after six days on life support.
• Offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were attacked, vandalized, and set on fire in Dhaka, trapping dozens of journalists inside.
• Journalists, including Daily Star's Zyma Islam, reported being unable to breathe due to smoke, while veteran journalist Nurul Kabir was assaulted.
• Protesters accused the targeted media houses of political bias and alignment with India/former PM Sheikh Hasina, demanding her extradition.
• Police were allegedly present but failed to intervene during the attacks, as unrest spread to Chattogram, Rajshahi, and other cities.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh plunged into chaos as Hadi's death sparked media attacks and widespread protests.