Bangladesh Chaos: Over 150 Computers, Cash Looted As Mobs Ransack Prothom Alo, Daily Star Offices

Last Updated:December 20, 2025, 11:44 IST

Calling the incident one of the darkest moments for independent journalism in Bangladesh, The Daily Star warned that the attacks on the press must not be taken lightly.

Bangladesh Turmoil: Media Offices Attacked, Computers and Cash Looted

Bangladesh’s media fraternity was shaken this week after violent mobs attacked and looted the offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka, forcing an unprecedented shutdown of operations. For the first time in its 27-year history, Prothom Alo was forced to close, with its online edition remaining offline for nearly 17 hours.

The attacks followed renewed protests in the capital after the death of 32-year-old youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on Thursday night.

According to Prothom Alo, a group of 30 to 35 attackers marched from Shahbagh to its Karwan Bazar office around 11.15 pm on Thursday. Police initially stopped them, but the group regrouped outside the building, raising slogans and issuing threats to burn the office and attack staff.

What the mob did?

Over the next hour, the attackers searched people in the area, checked mobile phones, and assaulted traders and hawkers nearby. Prothom Alo alleged that social media posts from people in foreign countries encouraged more attackers to join.

At around 12.15 am, the mob began throwing bricks, smashing glass windows and breaking open the main gate. The attackers entered the four-storey building, destroyed furniture, equipment and documents, and piled them together before setting them on fire.

The media house said its firefighting system was completely destroyed and CCTV cameras were smashed. More than 150 computers and laptops were looted, along with cash, lockers, books and personal belongings. Entire floors were left empty after the attack.

As the fire spread around 1 am, nearby buildings and power connections were also affected. Fire service vehicles were unable to reach the site due to roadblocks and attacks by the mob. Firefighting operations could only begin around 2.30 a.m., by which time the Prothom Alo office had been completely burnt down.

Daily Star also targeted

After attacking Prothom Alo, the mob moved towards The Daily Star office. Staff received warning calls and tried to evacuate, but attackers entered the building, smashing glass and furniture.

Around 28 journalists and staff members ran to the rooftop and locked themselves in. Thick smoke made it difficult to breathe, and the group kept moving in search of fresh air. They refused rescue by crane as the mob remained active below until 4.30 am. An army officer later helped evacuate them. The Daily Star office was also looted, with computers, cameras and canteen supplies taken. Photographs displayed on the building were torn down. It was the first time in its 33-year history that the paper’s publication was suspended without a holiday.

Prothom Alo offices in Kushtia, Khulna and Sylhet were vandalised, while attempts were made to attack branches in Chittagong, Bogra and Barisal.

Calling the incident one of the darkest moments for independent journalism in Bangladesh, The Daily Star warned that the attacks on the press must not be taken lightly.

News world Bangladesh Chaos: Over 150 Computers, Cash Looted As Mobs Ransack Prothom Alo, Daily Star Offices

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