The Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh (OCAB), representing international media organisations based in Dhaka, issued a strong condemnation of the violent mob attacks targeting journalists, editors, and media houses that occurred on the night of December 18.
In a statement, OCAB described the assaults as “brazen and intolerable,” warning that they pose a direct assault on the foundations of a free press and the public’s right to an informed society.
The association called on authorities to implement immediate measures to protect media professionals and conduct a prompt, credible investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“The freedom of journalists to operate without fear or intimidation—from state or non-state actors—is essential,” the statement emphasised. “Safeguarding them is fundamental to preserving democratic principles and the rule of law in Bangladesh.”
The statement was signed by OCAB President Nazrul Islam and General Secretary Julhas Alam.
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These attacks by Touhidi Janata, which included vandalism and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar amid protests following the death of jihadist mob leader Sharif Osman Hadi, have raised widespread concerns over press freedom in the country.
The attackers chanted Naraye Taqbir and Inqilab Zindabad slogans and alleged that the newspapers were subservient to India and propagated anti-militancy narratives at the behest of the US.
The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), led by President Sazzad Alam Khan Tapu and General Secretary Akhtar Hossain, described the incidents as “unacceptable under any circumstances,” expressing shock and highlighting the severe insecurity faced by journalists and fear among their families.
They also noted the harassment of Editors’ Council President and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir while he attempted to intervene, and condemned the separate killing of journalist Imdadul Haque Milon (president of Sholua Press Club in Khulna) on December 18, demanding justice for his shooters.
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The Media Freedom Coalition (a global partnership of over 50 countries promoting press freedom) called the violence “unacceptable,” stating it undermines press freedom, the public’s right to information, democratic values, and the rule of law. They emphasised that journalists must work without fear.
The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), in a statement by President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Arifuzzaman Mamun, affirmed that independent journalism is foundational to democracy. They rejected violence, intimidation, or harassment aimed at silencing the media as contrary to freedom of expression and the rule of law, urging swift investigations, perpetrator accountability, and enhanced government measures for journalist safety. DCAB also condemned the arrest of its former president, Anis Alamgir.
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