Why Journalists Were Targeted And Attacked Amid Bangladesh’s Unrest? | India News

As unrest spread across Bangladesh following the murder of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, journalists became prime targets of mob violence, prompting harsh condemnations from the country’s interim government led by Mohammed Younis.

Violence broke out after Hadi, a leading figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 pro-democracy uprising, died following an assassination attempt. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Dhaka and other cities, setting fire to associated buildings, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s family residence at 32 Dhanmondi, and offices of leading media houses.

Yunus management said in a harsh statement that it “strongly and clearly” condemned all forms of violence, intimidation, arson and property damage. Urging citizens to resist mob violence, the government said such acts were carried out by several external elements and posed a serious threat to Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

“This is a critical moment in our country’s history. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by a few people who thrive on chaos and reject peace,” the statement said.

Expressing its solidarity with the journalists targeted in the incidents, the government said, “To The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age journalists: We are with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have suffered.”

The statement said, “The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terrorism. Attacks on journalists are essentially an attack on the truth. We promise you full justice.”

The statement also emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections and referendum, stating that these were “not just political exercises, but also a serious national commitment.” Describing Hadi as a martyr, the statement said, “This promise cannot be separated from the dream for which Martyr Sharif Osman Hadi gave his life. Honoring his sacrifice requires moderation, responsibility and a firm determination to reject hatred.”

The government also condemned the recent lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, saying, “There is no place for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared.”

“In this critical hour, we call on every citizen to honor Sahid Hadi by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred,” the statement said.

Why Were Journalists Targeted?

Witnesses and media reports said protests broke out immediately after news of Hadi’s death, with hundreds of people gathering in Shahbagh Square near Dhaka University. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Allahu Akbar”, while similar demonstrations were reported to be held in other parts of the country.

Later, a group of protesters gathered in front of the headquarters of the Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar district. According to multiple media reports, they forced their way in, vandalized the building, and set fire to parts of it.

A short distance away, another group broke into the offices of the English-language Daily Star newspaper and set fire to the building, according to Kaler Kantha’s footage. Soldiers and paramilitary border guards were stationed outside both buildings but did not intervene, instead trying to persuade protesters to disperse peacefully when firefighters arrived.

A fire at the Daily Star building trapped staff working inside late on Thursday. Journalist Zyma Islam wrote on Facebook that she was inside the building at the time. The fire was brought under control early Friday.

Following the attacks, both newspapers stopped updating their online editions and did not publish their print editions on Friday. Sajjad Sharif, editor-in-chief of Prothom Alo, said he was “deeply saddened” by the newspaper’s failure to launch.

“This attack is not just an attack on Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, it is an attack on freedom of the press, expression, dissent and diversity of thought,” he said.

Critics of the two newspapers, Bangladesh’s largest, accused them of sympathizing with neighboring India, where Sheikh Hasina has lived since her resignation in 2024.

Anti-India sentiment is on the rise

Hadi has been a vocal critic of both India and Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year reign ended following last year’s uprising. The Inqilab Moncho group, formed after her ouster, staged protests condemning both Hasina and India, and accused her government of subservience to New Delhi.

Hadi had announced plans to contest the next national elections as an independent candidate from a key constituency in Dhaka. The interim government announced that elections were planned for February.

Since Hasina’s ouster, Inqilab Moncho and other groups have promoted anti-India sentiments, while critics accused the Yunus administration of allowing radical voices to operate freely. Despite India’s strong objections to such claims, attempts are being made to portray Hadi’s killing as an action carried out by pro-India elements.

In Chattogram, stone pelting was reported at the Deputy High Commission’s office and a nearby residence, while videos circulating on the internet show radical elements taking action. In Dhaka, a group tried to march towards the Indian High Commission, breaking barricades and chanting anti-India slogans before being stopped by police.