“I Can’t Breathe”: Daily Star Office Ablaze, Journalists Trapped

A night of terror unfolded in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area on Thursday as violent attacks and arson targeted the offices of leading national newspapers, leaving dozens of journalists trapped and fighting for their lives amid thick smoke and raging flames. The violence erupted following the spread of news regarding the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inkilab Manch, and quickly escalated into coordinated assaults on media institutions.

According to eyewitnesses and newsroom sources, a group of enraged individuals first set fire to the Prothom Alo building late on Thursday night. Shortly afterwards, the attackers moved towards the nearby headquarters of The Daily Star, where they carried out extensive vandalism before setting parts of the building ablaze. Flames and smoke rapidly engulfed the lower floors, forcing journalists and staff members to flee upstairs in panic.

Inside the Daily Star building, many reporters and employees became trapped as dense smoke spread through corridors and stairwells, making escape impossible. Several sought refuge on the rooftop, while others remained stranded inside the building, desperately calling for help. One of the trapped journalists, Zaima Islam, posted a harrowing message on Facebook, writing: “I can’t breathe anymore. There is smoke everywhere. I am trapped inside. You are killing me.” Her plea quickly spread across social media, intensifying public concern.

Fellow Daily Star journalists Rakibul Haque and Raksanda Rahman later confirmed that following the arson attack, many newsroom staff members had no option but to rush to the rooftop. With fire burning below, they remained stranded for an extended period, fearing for their lives.

As the situation deteriorated, Fire Service units and members of the army rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations. However, initial attempts to enter the premises reportedly faced obstruction from protesters, further delaying emergency response. After some time, rescue teams were finally allowed access to the building.

Firefighters used a Turntable Ladder (TTL) to safely bring down approximately 30 to 35 journalists, officials, and staff members who had been trapped on the rooftop. Once access was secured, Fire Service personnel worked swiftly to extinguish the blaze and search the building to ensure no one remained inside. The army assisted in securing the area and restoring a degree of order.

While no fatalities were officially reported, the incident has sent shockwaves through the journalistic community. Media professionals and rights advocates have condemned the attacks, warning that such violence poses a grave threat to press freedom, public safety, and democratic values. As investigations continue, questions remain over accountability and the protection of journalists working under increasingly volatile conditions.

Incident Overview