17 Arrested After Violent Newspaper Attacks

Seventeen individuals have been arrested in connection with a brazen attack on the offices of two of Bangladesh’s leading newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, alongside assaults on two prominent cultural organisations. Investigators have so far identified a total of 31 suspects linked to the violent incidents.

The shocking developments were revealed on Monday, 22 December, during a press briefing held by S. N. M. Nazrul Islam, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Operations) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The briefing provided the latest updates on the ongoing investigation into the attacks that occurred last Thursday night in the bustling Karwan Bazar district of the capital.

According to Commissioner Islam, the Prothom Alo office was targeted by a mob in an orchestrated terrorist-style assault involving vandalism, looting, and arson. “Prothom Alo has filed a formal police complaint regarding the attack,” he said. “The Daily Star has not yet submitted a case, as they are currently calculating the full extent of their losses. Once completed, they too will proceed with legal action.”

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the complaint submitted by Prothom Alo has named approximately 400 to 500 unnamed individuals as accused in the case. Police have, to date, apprehended 17 suspects. “Of these, 13 were arrested by local police, three by the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit (CTTC), and one by the Detective Branch,” added Commissioner Islam, stressing that the operations are ongoing and further arrests are expected.

Significant evidence has already been recovered from the arrested individuals. Among those detained is 26-year-old Naim, from whom 50,000 Bangladeshi Taka in cash, looted from the offices, was retrieved. Investigators also recovered items purchased with the stolen funds, including a mobile phone and a refrigerator.

The police have vowed to continue their crackdown on the perpetrators and ensure that those responsible for the attacks face the full force of the law. “We are committed to bringing all involved to justice,” Commissioner Islam emphasised, highlighting that investigations are being carried out meticulously, with all leads being thoroughly followed.

The attacks have sparked widespread outrage across the country, with media organisations, civil society groups, and citizens condemning the violence. Analysts have pointed to the attacks as an alarming challenge to freedom of the press and the safety of journalists, urging authorities to ensure rapid and transparent legal proceedings.

As investigations continue, the public remains watchful for updates on further arrests and prosecutions, with authorities working to restore a sense of security in the nation’s media hubs.