150 Computers Stolen as Mobs Vandalise Bangladesh Media Houses in Dhaka

Violent mobs carried out coordinated attacks on two of Bangladesh’s most prominent media organisations — The Daily Star and Prothom Alo — in Dhaka late Friday night, looting equipment, setting buildings on fire and trapping journalists inside for hours.

The attacks, which left newsrooms crippled, came shortly after reports emerged of the death of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, whose supporters accused sections of the media of bias — allegations strongly denied by both publications.

Newsrooms Under Siege

At The Daily Star’s office on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, assailants broke in around midnight, vandalising furniture, smashing glass doors and destroying newsroom infrastructure. At least 150 computers, along with cameras, hard drives and office equipment, were stolen. Office canteens were looted and files scattered across floors.

Posters commemorating martyrs Abu Sayed and Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho were torn down, and multiple floors were set ablaze. Thick smoke forced 28 journalists and staff members to seek refuge on the rooftop for several hours.

Firefighters, police and army personnel managed to rescue those trapped only around dawn. Power, water and gas supplies were cut due to extensive damage. As a result, The Daily Star failed to publish its print edition for the first time in its 34-year history.

Prothom Alo Hit in Parallel Attack

A near-simultaneous assault unfolded at Prothom Alo’s Karwan Bazar headquarters. Initial police resistance failed to deter the mob, which regrouped and launched a full-scale attack. Windows, computers, CCTV systems, fire safety equipment and cash lockers were destroyed, while the building’s OTT platform Chorki suffered major damage.

Employees fled the premises to escape the violence. One staff member sustained serious injuries after jumping to a neighbouring building. The newspaper was unable to publish its Friday print edition for the first time in 27 years, and its digital operations remained suspended for nearly 17 hours.

Firefighters faced delays after protesters blocked access routes. Two fire service personnel were electrocuted during rescue operations and hospitalised.

Widespread Vandalism Across Dhaka

The violence extended beyond media offices. Cultural institutions were also targeted, including Chhayanaut in Dhanmondi, where musical instruments and artworks were destroyed. Parts of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence in Dhanmondi-32 were demolished using excavators. The Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi office was set on fire.

Unrest spread to Chattogram, Rajshahi, Uttara and other regions. In Chattogram, police detained 10 people after stones were hurled at the Assistant Indian High Commission, escalating diplomatic concerns.

Government Response and Condemnation

Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus spoke with editors Matiur Rahman and Mahfuz Anam, expressing deep condolences and assuring government support for restoration efforts. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki also pledged assistance.

Political parties, journalist bodies and international organisations including the Editors’ Council, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and the Media Freedom Coalition strongly condemned the attacks, calling them an assault on press freedom and democracy.

Authorities believe vested interest groups exploited public anger following Hadi’s death to incite violence. Prothom Alo described the events as “a black day for independent media,” warning that such attacks could undermine democratic processes and damage Bangladesh’s global image.