Dhaka Media Under Attack: Journalists Recount Horror of Arson, Entrapment

• Journalists from Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were trapped as their offices in Dhaka were torched during overnight arson attacks.
• The attacks followed nationwide protests sparked by the death of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 uprising.
• Staff at The Daily Star sought refuge on the rooftop after the ground floor was set ablaze, cutting off escape routes.
• Fires at Prothom Alo trapped some staff, while veteran journalist Nurul Kabir was also assaulted the same night.
• The violence, believed linked to political tensions before elections, led to media operations suspension and a police manhunt for Hadi's attackers.

Why It Matters: Bangladeshi media faces unprecedented attacks, with journalists trapped and operations halted amid political unrest.