Dhaka, Dec 19 (V7N) — Miscreants carried out a violent attack and vandalism at the offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area late Thursday night, setting fire outside the Prothom Alo office and causing panic among journalists and staff.

The attack began around 12:00 am on Thursday night (Dec 18), Tejgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kshainyu Marma confirmed to local media. He said several hundred people gathered in front of the newspaper offices and launched the assault.

“I am currently at the scene. A large group of people carried out the attack,” the OC said, adding that the identities of those involved could not be immediately confirmed.

Videos livestreamed on social media showed attackers wielding sticks and engaging in widespread vandalism, damaging property and creating chaos in the area. Witnesses reported that fire was set in front of the Prothom Alo office, further escalating fear among those present.

Sources said several journalists were trapped inside the Prothom Alo office during the incident, raising serious concerns about the safety of media professionals. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Law enforcement agencies later arrived at the scene and took steps to bring the situation under control. Investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over press freedom and the security of media institutions in Bangladesh, as journalists and rights groups closely monitor developments following the attack.

END/AJ/SMA/