PEN Bangladesh unequivocally has condemned the violent attacks on the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. These acts of vandalism and intimidation constitute a direct assault on press freedom and the public’s right to information. Targeting newsrooms is an attack on democracy itself.
PEN Bangladesh is was concerned by reports of harassment and threats directed at Nurul Kabir, president of the Editors’ Council and editor of New Age. Any form of intimidation against journalists and editors is unacceptable and creates a chilling effect that undermines independent journalism across the country.
“We also express our solidarity with the family, friends, and supporters of Ossman Hadi, a young leader associated with the July movement, whose tragic death has shocked the nation. His loss must be addressed through due process, transparent investigation, and the rule of law. Violence against media institutions cannot be justified as a response to grief or anger,” it said on Friday.
PEN Bangladesh was alarmed that vested and opportunistic quarters appear to be exploiting this moment of collective sorrow to push the country toward disorder—throttling free voices, attacking independent media, and targeting institutions of liberal and cultural thought, including Chhayanaut. Such actions risk plunging society into anarchy, where intimidation replaces debate and coercion replaces justice.
It called on the authorities to ensure the immediate safety of journalists, editors, and media workers and protect media premises. The authorities must conduct swift, impartial investigations into the attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo and hold perpetrators accountable. Threats against journalists, including those directed at Nurul Kabir must be prevented and prosecuted. “We urge the interim government to safeguard cultural institutions and civic spaces that uphold Bangladesh’s plural, inclusive traditions.”
PEN Bangladesh stands in solidarity with Bangladesh’s journalists, writers, artists, and cultural workers. A nation cannot mourn its dead, seek justice, or move forward if its newsrooms are burnt and its critical voices silenced.
