The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed profound concern and issued a strong condemnation of the violent attacks, vandalism and arson carried out at the offices of the country’s two leading newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. In a statement released on Saturday, the apex body of Bangladesh cricket described the incidents as “deeply alarming” and “fundamentally incompatible with the core values of a democratic society”.
According to the BCB, such acts of violence do not merely target two individual media institutions; rather, they constitute a direct assault on media freedom and the public’s right to know. The board emphasised that an independent press is an essential pillar of democracy, and any attempt to silence journalists through intimidation or destruction undermines the broader democratic framework of the state.
In its statement, the BCB extended solidarity to the journalists, editors, officers and staff of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. It acknowledged the fear, insecurity and professional disruption caused by the attacks, noting that such incidents inevitably affect not only those working within the targeted institutions but also the wider media community. Reaffirming its long-standing position, the BCB reiterated its unwavering support for free, professional and responsible journalism and pledged to stand firmly in defence of press freedom.
The board further observed that a free, fearless and accountable media plays a vital role in ensuring good governance, social progress and democratic accountability. Attempts to muzzle the press through violence or threats place journalists’ lives and safety at risk and erode public trust in democratic institutions. The BCB expressed hope that normalcy would be restored swiftly and that Prothom Alo and The Daily Star would be able to resume their journalistic duties with the same professionalism, credibility and ethical commitment for which they are widely respected.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) also strongly condemned the attacks. In its statement, the BFF highlighted the long-standing contribution of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star to the development of sports in Bangladesh, particularly football. The federation noted that the two newspapers have consistently showcased the achievements of Bangladeshi footballers at both national and international levels, making the attacks on them wholly unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA) and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC) jointly demanded the swift identification of the perpetrators and exemplary punishment under the law. They warned that failure to ensure accountability would place journalists’ safety at even greater risk in the future.
Media reports suggest that a vested group attempted to inflame tensions surrounding the killing of Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi. On Thursday night, coordinated attacks involving vandalism and arson were carried out at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. As a result, the print editions of both newspapers could not be published on Friday, and their online operations were temporarily suspended.
Following the incidents, widespread condemnation has poured in from civil society, professional bodies and cultural organisations across the country. Voices from all quarters have united in calling for the protection of media institutions, the safeguarding of freedom of expression, and an end to the politics of violence.