Seventeen people have been taken into custody following a violent attack on the offices of Bangladesh’s top newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, in addition to two cultural organisations that were also targeted in the assault. Police have so far identified 31 potential suspects believed to be involved in the incidents, which have sent shockwaves through the nation’s media landscape.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) provided an update during a press briefing on Monday, 22 December, led by Additional Commissioner S. N. M. Nazrul Islam, who oversees Crime and Operations. He confirmed that the attacks, which occurred late on Thursday night in Karwan Bazar, involved systematic vandalism, looting, and arson at the Prothom Alo office.
“The Prothom Alo management has lodged a formal complaint with the police,” Commissioner Islam said. “The Daily Star is in the process of assessing the damage and will file a case shortly. Once their assessment is complete, legal action will follow.”
According to police sources, the Prothom Alo complaint lists between 400 and 500 unnamed suspects. The 17 arrests made so far include 13 by local police stations, three by the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, and one by the Detective Branch. “The arrest operations are still ongoing, and we expect more names to be apprehended in the coming days,” Commissioner Islam stated.
Among those arrested is Naim, a 26-year-old suspect from whom authorities recovered 50,000 Bangladeshi Taka in stolen cash. Items purchased with the stolen money, including a mobile phone and a refrigerator, were also retrieved, providing clear evidence of the looting activities.
The police crackdown underscores a broader effort to ensure that the perpetrators of these violent acts do not evade justice. “We are determined to bring all involved to justice and to maintain the safety of journalists and media institutions in the capital,” the Commissioner added.
The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from civil society, journalists, and ordinary citizens, all expressing concern over press freedom and the safety of media workers. The incidents highlight the growing threats faced by media organisations and underscore the importance of swift and decisive action by law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have also promised a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to the attacks and have called on the public to provide any information that could aid in apprehending further suspects. With the media spotlight on the police investigation, the nation awaits developments in this unfolding case of violence against journalists and cultural organisations.