Bangladesh Newspaper Staff Recall ‘Gasping for Air’ as Offices Set Ablaze
Staff at two prominent Bangladeshi newspapers described harrowing scenes of gasping for air as their offices were engulfed in flames by protesters reacting to the death of a key activist.
Activist’s Death Sparks Outrage
Sharif Osman Hadi, a significant figure who had emerged during last year’s anti-government protests, was shot in Dhaka last week and succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. Hadi was a senior leader of the student protest group Inqilab Mancha and had planned to contest in the upcoming elections. His activism and opposition to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina garnered both admiration and animosity.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Attack
On Thursday night, hundreds of protesters stormed the offices of the English-language Daily Star and the Bengali daily Prothom Alo. Key details include:
– Impact on Journalism: The Daily Star described the incident as one of the darkest days for independent journalism in Bangladesh. For the first time in 35 years, the newspaper was unable to publish its print edition on Friday, with consulting editor Kamal Ahmed stating, We will be inoperable for a while.
– Rescue Operations: Twenty-eight of our colleagues were trapped on the rooftop of the building for hours… They were gasping for fresh air, Ahmed reported. They were only rescued after military reinforcements arrived. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but extensive damage characterized both buildings.
Motives Behind the Violence
It remains unclear why the protesters targeted the Daily Star and Prothom Alo, which have long been viewed as secular and progressive outlets. Their critical stance against some policies of the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, could have provoked the anger of supporters.
– Government’s Response: The interim government condemned the violence, stating that attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. It emphasized the need to maintain a peaceful and stable environment during this historic democratic transition.
Wider Violence and Reactions
In addition to the newspaper offices, other landmarks, including the home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s first president and Hasina’s father, were also attacked. Bangladesh is set to hold elections in February, marking the first since Hasina’s ousting.
Legacy of Sharif Osman Hadi
Sharif Hadi was not only a prominent youth leader but also a critic of India and an outspoken figure against the past regime. His shooting occurred just a day after the election date was announced, a timing that raised suspicions of a politically motivated attack. Yunus called Hadi’s death an irreparable loss for the nation, asserting that it was a deliberate effort to undermine the electoral process.
Conclusion
As Bangladesh approaches a pivotal election, the violent attacks on pivotal media outlets underscore the fragility of independent journalism in the country. The acknowledgment of such events as assaults on truth and democracy is critical in ensuring that the country does not regress into chaos. Investigations into Hadi’s death continue, with several arrests already made, as the nation mourns a significant loss in its quest for progress and democracy.