Attacks on media are an assault on democracy, says BNP leader Fakhrul

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has characterised the recent mob attacks on the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo as a direct threat to democracy, calling on the public to come together to protect democratic values and freedom of expression.

During a joint protest meeting held on Monday, organised by the Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at a hotel in Dhaka, Fakhrul expressed that the nation is at a pivotal juncture for democracy.

“The moment is upon us to rise and push back,” he declared, urging those who cherish the nation to unite against what he termed “malevolent forces”.

He stated that symbolic protests had lost their effectiveness, cautioning that democracy and freedom of speech faced significant dangers.

“Those who desire Bangladesh to become a genuinely independent, sovereign, and democratic nation must take action beyond merely expressing awareness or solidarity,” he stated. “All those who cherish Bangladesh should come together with unwavering determination.”

Fakhrul stated that the assaults extended beyond just two media outlets, symbolising a wider assault on democratic rights.

“The attacks have not been limited to just The Daily Star or Prothom Alo.” Democracy has faced significant challenges. “The freedom to think independently and the freedom to express oneself have come under threat,” he stated.

He further claimed that the essence of the July movement, aimed at securing people’s rights, was being compromised.

Fakhrul urged for unity that transcends political divides, emphasising that all citizens who cherish democracy should unite to guide the nation “from darkness to light” and contribute to the creation of a genuinely independent and democratic Bangladesh.

Leaders from various political parties, editors, newspaper owners, journalists, and civil society members gathered at the protest meeting to call for justice and a thorough investigation into the recent mob violence directed at the two media houses.

Officials have not provided a detailed response regarding the incidents. Ongoing investigations are in progress.