Dhaka courts have remanded three additional suspects in connection with the violent attacks on the offices of First AlO and Daily Star, which involved arson, looting, and widespread property damage. Two suspects were implicated in the First AlO case, while one was connected to the Daily Star incident.
The orders were issued on Wednesday by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque, who conducted separate hearings for each case. With this latest development, a total of 19 individuals have now been remanded in the First AlO case, while 10 have been sent to prison in the Daily Star case.
The three suspects remanded today are:
- Zakir Hossain Shanto, 29, from Mymensingh
- Niyaz Mahmud Farhan, 21, from Bhola
- Azmir Hossain Akash, 27 – linked to the Daily Star case
According to court sources, the suspects were brought to the courtroom holding area at 6:00 pm and formally presented before the magistrate shortly after 6:45 pm. Investigating officers requested that the accused be held in custody. Although bail applications were submitted on behalf of the two First AlO suspects, the court rejected them and remanded all three suspects.
First AlO Attack Overview :
| Category | Details |
| Date & Time of Incident | 21 December, 12:10 am |
| Filing Police Station | Tejgaon, Dhaka |
| Suspected Participants | 400–500 unidentified individuals |
| Nature of Crime | Arson, looting, property destruction, obstruction of press activities, online criminal instructions |
| Relevant Laws | Anti-Terrorism Act, Special Powers Act, Cyber Security Ordinance |
| Looted Property Value | BDT 2.5 crore |
| Estimated Total Loss | BDT 32 crore |
| Evidence | CCTV footage, media video coverage |
The First AlO case alleges that the attackers created riots, forcibly entered the premises, looted property, destroyed evidence, and attempted arson. The attackers also disrupted publication and office operations, issuing online instructions for criminal activity.
Daily Star Attack Overview :
| Category | Details |
| Date & Time of Incident | 18 December, 12:35 am |
| Filing Police Station | Tejgaon, Dhaka |
| Suspected Participants | 350–400 unidentified individuals |
| Nature of Crime | Physical assault, arson, looting, destruction of infrastructure (fire safety, CCTV, office equipment) |
| Looted Property | Over 200 electronic devices worth BDT 5 crore; cash BDT 35 lakh |
| Estimated Total Loss | BDT 40 crore |
| Number of Employees Affected | 30 rescued |
| Impact on Operations | Print edition suspended following day; online services halted for 17 hours |
The Daily Star case reports that a mob carrying sticks and incendiary materials stormed the office, shouting provocative slogans, assaulting staff, looting cash and equipment, and setting multiple floors ablaze. Critical infrastructure, including fire safety systems and CCTV cameras, was deliberately damaged.
Authorities have emphasised that investigations are ongoing, with evidence from CCTV footage and media recordings being analysed to identify and prosecute all responsible individuals. The incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of media institutions and the urgent need for enhanced security measures.