Bangladeshi law enforcement authorities have apprehended 17 individuals in connection with the recent attacks on the offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as two prominent cultural organisations. Among the detainees is Md. Naim, who has confessed during preliminary questioning to purchasing a television and a refrigerator using looted cash obtained during the attacks.
According to a press release issued on Monday (22 December) by the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser’s office, Md. Naim, a resident of Kunipara in Tejgaon, Dhaka, was arrested in Chouddogram Upazila, Comilla. Authorities recovered BDT 50,000 in stolen funds from his possession.
During interrogation, Naim admitted that he had looted a total of BDT 123,000. He reportedly used part of the stolen money to purchase a television and a refrigerator from Mohammadpur, both of which have now been recovered by the authorities.
The press release also noted that, on Sunday (21 December), police and other law enforcement agencies informed Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus that, after reviewing video footage, 31 individuals have been preliminarily identified as suspects in these incidents. In addition, three individuals were identified via video evidence for their involvement in disturbances near the residence of the Assistant High Commissioner of India in Chittagong.
Authorities confirmed that interrogations are ongoing for the remaining detainees, with further updates expected as investigations progress. Law enforcement sources emphasised that these arrests are part of a larger effort to ensure accountability for the attacks on media outlets and cultural institutions.
| Arrested Individual | Location of Arrest | Looted Amount (BDT) | Items Purchased |
|---|---|---|---|
| Md. Naim | Chouddogram Upazila, Comilla | 123,000 | TV, Refrigerator |
| Others (16) | Various locations across Dhaka & nationwide | N/A | N/A |
Officials underlined the crucial role of video evidence in identifying suspects and recovering stolen property. They also highlighted the importance of coordinated intelligence and surveillance in managing the aftermath of the attacks.
The arrests come amid widespread national concern over the incidents, which have been condemned by media organisations, civil society groups, and political leaders. Law enforcement agencies face mounting pressure to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure justice, and prevent further assaults on press freedom and cultural establishments.
The ongoing probe reflects the authorities’ commitment to upholding law and order, while recovering stolen assets and deterring similar incidents in the future.