Bangladesh Newspapers Targeted as Protests Erupt Over Activist's Death

Protests surged in Dhaka after the fatal shooting of activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Demonstrators set fire to the offices of two leading newspapers, drawing global attention to press freedom in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming elections.

What happened

Hundreds of demonstrators stormed the English-language Daily Star and the Bengali daily Prothom Alo on Thursday night, with unrest continuing into the next day. The Daily Star reported that parts of their building were set ablaze and staff faced dangerous exits, while Prothom Alo also faced fire and vandalism.

Impact on journalism

The Daily Star said it would not publish its Friday print edition for the first time in 35 years, describing operations as temporarily inoperable. Reporters and editors were trapped on a rooftop for hours before security forces arrived to evacuate them.

Context and motives

The targeted outlets have long been seen as secular and independent and have often criticized the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Since the July 2024 uprising, tensions between the state and some media voices have grown, though the exact motives for this week's attacks remain unclear.

Official response

The interim government condemned the violence and pledged full justice for the perpetrators. A government spokesperson said attacks on journalists are attacks on truth and urged that the democratic transition stay on track amid calls for peace.

Broader damage and political backdrop

Other prominent sites, including the home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—the first president of Bangladesh and father of Prime Minister Hasina—were vandalized. The country is preparing for elections scheduled in February, the first since Hasina left power in 2024.

About Sharif Hadi

Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, was a leading figure in the student movement Inqilab Mancha and a vocal critic of regional politics. He planned to run as an independent candidate in February but was shot outside a mosque in Dhaka and later died in Singapore. The youth movement that helped topple Hasina last year amplified his online presence and public profile.

Election context and aftermath

Hasina fled to India in August 2024 amid student protests; in November she was reported to have been sentenced to death on charges related to violence against protesters. Officials have urged calm and said the February election will proceed as planned.

Expert comment: Journalists face increasing risk in Bangladesh as political tensions rise, threatening press freedom. Experts say stronger protections for reporters are essential as coverage of protests becomes a flashpoint for violence.

Summary

The recent violence targeted two major newspapers and disrupted print operations, underscoring the fragile environment for independent media in Bangladesh during a tense political period. The government condemned the attacks and vowed justice while stressing that elections will go ahead as scheduled in February. The incident highlights the ongoing friction between authorities and the press as the country approaches a pivotal vote.

Key insight: Attacks on journalists during political turmoil threaten press freedom in Bangladesh. Source: BBC News

Discover the latest news and current events in World News as of 19-12-2025. The article titled " Bangladesh Newspapers Targeted as Protests Erupt Over Activist's Death " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the World News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.

The information in " Bangladesh Newspapers Targeted as Protests Erupt Over Activist's Death " helps you make better-informed decisions within the World News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.