A firefighter works inside the building of vandalised Prothom Alo newspaper’s office, following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a student leader, who had been undergoing treatment in Singapore after being shot in the head, in Dhaka, on December 19, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
The Bangladesh Intern government led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr Yunus on Friday (December 19, 2025) strongly condemned the recent wave of violence and attacks on journalists, urging citizens to resist what it described as mob actions carried out by a handful of fringe elements seeking to destabilise the country at a critical political moment.
In a statement issued on Friday (December 19, 2025) noon, the government said it “strongly and unequivocally” condemns all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of property, stressing that Bangladesh is currently undergoing a historic democratic transition that must not be derailed by chaos or hatred.
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Referring to the upcoming elections and referendum, the government said these were not merely political exercises but a “solemn national commitment,” closely tied to the ideals for which Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was killed. Honouring his sacrifice, the statement said, requires restraint, responsibility, and a collective rejection of violence.
Expressing solidarity with the media, the government said it stood firmly with journalists from The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age, whose offices and staff were targeted during the unrest.
“We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured,” the statement said, adding that attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. The government pledged full justice for those responsible.
The statement also condemned the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, calling it a heinous crime and asserting that there is “no space for such violence in the new Bangladesh.” It said those responsible would not be spared.
Calling for calm, the government urged citizens to honour Hadi’s memory by rejecting violence, incitement, and hatred, and by standing in defence of peace, democracy, and the rule of law.
Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus spoke by telephone with the editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following the barbaric attacks on the offices of the two newspapers.
Expressing his deep sympathy to Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam, the Chief Adviser said: “This unexpected and disgraceful attack on your institutions and journalists has deeply pained me. In this difficult time, the government stands firmly by your side.”
Published – December 19, 2025 02:34 pm IST
