The Price of Publishing: The Attack on Prothom Alo

Project 12

Course Name: Data Journalism Course Code: MSJ3253 Project Type: Long-Read Report Project Name: The Price of Publishing:The Attack on Prothom Alo Project Date: Fall 2025

Project Description: This project is a long-read data journalism report examining the attack on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on 18 December 2025 amid political unrest in Bangladesh. It investigates how newsroom violence unfolded, contextual political triggers, public reactions, and implications for press freedom. Using qualitative narratives, eyewitness accounts, and survey data, the report analyses the relationship between media, power, and society, highlighting risks faced by journalists and the fragility of independent journalism in Bangladesh.

Project Justification: This project is justified due to the urgent need to document and analyse rising threats to press freedom in Bangladesh. The 2025 attacks on leading newspapers reveal deep political polarization, mob violence, and institutional vulnerabilities affecting journalists. By combining narrative reporting with survey data, the study provides evidence-based insights into public perception, media safety, and accountability. It contributes to data journalism practice by contextualizing real-time events within broader democratic and societal challenges.

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Department of Media Studies and Journalism

Course Code & Title: MSJ3253 Data Journalism

Long-Read Report

The Price of Publishing:The Attack on Prothom Alo

Name: Fahteen Hossain

ID: 201012076

Term: Fall 2025

Submitted To:

Dewan Shahnoor Alam Sourav (Lecturer)

Date: 21.12.2025

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The Price of Publishing:The Attack on Prothom Alo

Figure 1: Prothom Alo building in flames; taken by Sazid Hossain

On some nights, history announces itself quietly. On others, it arrives in flames. 18th December 2025, smoke rose from the offices of Bangladesh’s most influential newspapers, turning newsrooms into crime scenes and journalists into survivors. Desks where headlines were written became evacuation points. Printing presses fell silent. The attack on Prothom Alo and the mob assault on The Daily Star marked one of the darkest moments for independent journalism in recent memory, not because of what was destroyed, but because of what the violence revealed about the relationship between the public, power, and the press in Bangladesh. These attacks did not emerge in a vacuum. They unfolded against a backdrop of nationwide unrest following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and a leading voice in the uprising that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been shot days earlier, whose passing in Singapore earlier that month triggered widespread protests across the country. Citizens poured into the streets demanding justice, accountability, and answers. What began as collective grief soon escalated into rage. As demonstrations intensified, the boundaries between protest and violence blurred. In that chaos, media houses became targets. By late that night, a group of protesters arrived at the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. Carrying sticks and chanting slogans, the crowd vandalised the building, shattering glass, breaking gates, looting computers and cameras, and setting valuables alight. Attacks rippled beyond Dhaka, hitting regional Prothom Alo branches in Kushtia, Khulna, and Sylhet. Attempts to assault offices in Chattogram and Bogura.

Figure 2: vandalised Prothom Alo office in Kushtia

Shortly after, another group invaded The Daily Star office on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, setting fire to stacks of newspapers and forcing about 28 journalists and staff onto the roof as smoke filled the building. Their social media posts from that night captured their terror, especially a now‑viral message from journalist Zayma Islam: “I can’t breathe. There’s too much smoke. I am inside. You are killing me.”

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Figure 3 : Status posted on facebook by Zayma Hossain

These attacks raise immediate and uncomfortable questions: why did public anger over Hadi’s death target media houses rather than those directly responsible? Who benefits when outrage is directed at the media instead of justice for political violence? And how safe are journalists when even neutral reporting puts them in harm’s way?

The violence forced both newspapers to halt operations. For Prothom Alo, it was the first interruption in its 27‑year history, with its online platform offline for nearly 17 hours. The Daily Star also missed publication deadlines. Both newspapers issued statements condemning the attacks and emphasising how anger had been exploited to undermine independent journalism ahead of the February 2026 national elections. Many observers emphasised that these were not spontaneous acts of protest but coordinated assaults on institutions that represent independent reporting.

In the midst of this turmoil, voices like Shahidul Alam’s add another layer of reflection. Alam, the internationally renowned photographer, human rights activist, and director of the Drik media organisation, warned that grief was turning destructive and wrote on his Facebook wall: “I can understand the anger,” he said, “but this is not what Shaheed Hadi would have wanted. He loved Bangladesh and would never have wanted anarchy. We want justice for Shaheed Hadi, not more senseless killing. There are innocent people who will die if this fire is not stopped.” In past interviews and public statements, he described freedom of the press as something perennially under threat often treated as a political slogan rather than a lived reality for journalists working under intimidation and censorship. His own experience of arrest in 2018 for speaking out about political unrest and media suppression demonstrated how quickly dissent can be criminalised, a stark reminder that attacks on press freedom are not just physical but institutional.

To understand how these events are perceived by the public, survey data from 15 respondents across diverse professions,including students, private service holders, businesspeople, and engineers reveals deep concerns. Slightly more than half of respondents (53.3%) were students, but the rest represented a variety of professional roles. When asked whether they had worked in or closely followed Bangladeshi media, responses were nearly evenly split, with 46.7% saying yes and 53.3% saying no.

An overwhelming majority of respondents, 86.7 percent, believed that attacks on media houses are increasing. Respondents attributed this trend to political tension, perceived bias in reporting, chaotic mob behaviour, and breakdowns in law enforcement. One student explained, “Bangladeshi people love vandalism,” while a private job holder suggested that attacks occur due to a “political agenda in order to restrict freedom of speech and to spread propaganda.” Another respondent, a business owner, noted, “It’s because of the political tension and people's belief of certain outlets being biased towards their opinion about pro-Bangladeshi opinions.” Several respondents highlighted repeated mob violence as symptomatic of deeper societal disorder. One student remarked, “Consecutive multiple mob violences have taken place and chaotic situations and violent mob upsurges are increasing, people have increasingly participated and are participating in vandalism and in acts that ensue disorder and chaos.”

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Figure 4: Pie chart representing respondants who believe that attacks on media houses are increasing

When asked how safe journalists are today compared to five years ago, many respondents expressed pessimism, citing rising mob violence, political pressure, and fewer safeguards. One student stated, “They were never safe,” while a private service holder observed that “journalists operate in a dangerous and unpredictable environment as mob violence has risen at an alarming rate.” Some respondents suggested that safety conditions had worsened, while others believed conditions remained unchanged. An operations head reflected, “Less safe but they were working for the government and never showed the truth… That’s the only reason they were safer then Forms response chart. Question title: Do you believe attacks on media houses are increasing?  . Number of responses: 16 responses. than now.” Even respondents who closely followed the media acknowledged that the environment had become increasingly hostile.

Survey participants also reflected on how attacks on media houses affect public trust in news coverage. Responses varied widely. A private service holder noted, “Attacks on media houses reduce my trust in news coverage by fostering fear and self-censorship, which undermines independent and truthful reporting.” Some respondents, particularly those skeptical of media bias, indicated that attacks did not significantly alter their trust. A business owner explained, “I have always been aware of putting my entire trust on any media outlets… media houses have their own philosophy and interests. They’d stick to it anyways, and this is not going to affect my trust in news coverage because it’s all the same.” One student provided a more nuanced perspective: “Waning faith and trust… the attacks that took place were definitely not right, but it also goes to show how enraged people were and how much hate they hold towards these media houses that fueled and backed pro-India and fascist narratives for a long time.”

The issue of self-censorship further underscores the precarious nature of journalism in Bangladesh. Approximately 53.3% of respondents believed that journalists practice self-censorship, while 40 percent were unsure. Comments suggested that fear of reprisal, political pressure, or mob violence forces journalists to carefully calibrate their reporting. A student simply responded “Yes,” reflecting an acknowledgment of the pressures facing the press. A private service holder echoed this concern, noting the role of fear in shaping reporting practices.

Survey respondents were also asked to identify those responsible for attacks on media houses. Responses included mobs, political agitators, government authorities, and institutional failures to protect journalists. One student stated, “The citizens only,” while another argued, “The government and some self-seeking political leaders.” A private job holder suggested that the government, though not necessarily orchestrating attacks, is “unable to ensure the protection of the journalists.” Several respondents cited extremist organisations or political factions as key actors.

Respondents offered recommendations for actions that should follow such incidents but often do not occur. Most emphasized the need for strict investigations, arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, and immediate measures to ensure journalist safety. One student wrote, “Immediate stabilization of the crowd, press conference or a notice of some form from the government and authorities in power to address said event and let the public know what measures would be taken to enforce moderation upon such activities.” A business owner argued, “Police should investigate and immediately arrest each and every criminal who takes such actions and is prone to any kind of extremism and violent acts. However, we have hardly seen this happen after any such incidents.” When asked to summarize press freedom in Bangladesh today, responses ranged from cynical to cautiously hopeful. Some respondents expressed despair, such as one student who wrote, “Press freedom is a joke,” while another argued it is “meaningless if justice and honesty are not upheld.” Others emphasized the principles that should underpin a free press. A business owner stated, “Press freedom means being unbiased and favouring the people of this country with authentic news that brings clarity instead of creating confusion.” An AI engineer noted, “We live in a free society and media should be a part of that,” while another respondent observed that journalists must report the truth regardless of opposition: “They need to only work for truth. Doesn’t matter if it’s against the people, political parties, big sharks of our country, or the government.”

Collectively, these responses reveal a society acutely aware of the vulnerabilities of journalists and the risks associated with reporting truthfully. They also reflect frustration with the culture of impunity, political polarization, and social distrust that exacerbate attacks on media houses. Attacks are seen not as isolated incidents but as symptoms of broader political and societal malaise, in which citizens, mobs, authorities, and political actors interact to compromise journalistic safety and integrity.

The attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star exemplify a larger crisis facing press freedom in Bangladesh. They disrupted operations, endangered journalists, and highlighted the vulnerability of independent reporting in a politically charged environment. Voices like Zayma Islam’s and Shahidul Alam’s humanized the crisis, reminding the nation that journalists are individuals confronting existential danger. Regional reporters and press union representatives condemned the violence, emphasizing that attacks on media institutions exacerbate national instability and empower extremist agendas. International press freedom organizations condemned the assaults and called for accountability and protection of journalists in advance of the 2026 elections.

The events of 18th December 2025 serve as a stark warning: freedom of expression in Bangladesh remains fragile. When journalists are attacked and newsrooms are silenced, democratic accountability is undermined. Survey data confirms that public awareness of these threats is high and that citizens recognize the increasing dangers faced by media workers and the broader implications for society. The haunting images of journalists trapped on rooftops are not merely symbolic; they signify that a democracy unable to protect its journalists endangers the very truth it claims to uphold.

In conclusion, the attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star underscore the high cost of independent publishing in Bangladesh. They reveal how journalists, media institutions, and democratic discourse are simultaneously targeted by political manipulation, mob violence, and institutional neglect. Survey responses demonstrate that while citizens recognize the importance of press freedom, many remain skeptical about its practical survival. True press freedom, respondents argue, depends on legal protections, societal commitment to truth, accountability, and the safety of journalists. Until these conditions are met, the headlines may change, but the threat remains, and the flames over Karwan Bazar continue to cast a shadow over the future of journalism in Bangladesh.

*Disclaimer: This report contains usage of AI strictly to assist with grammar accuracy, citation formatting, language refinement, clarity of expression and structural suggestions.

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References

1. Bangladesh. (2025, December 20). A DARK DAY FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM. The Daily Star. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/dark-day-independent-journalism-4061941

2. Correspondent, & Correspondent. (2025, December 20). Prothom Alo, Daily Star must definitely be shut down: RUCSU VP. Prothomalo. https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/pd1cc8z2tl

3. Prothom Alo Desk, & Prothom Alo Desk. (2025, December 19). Prothom Alo offices attacked in 3 districts outside Dhaka. Prothomalo. https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/local-news/bfv5i7wd2x

4. Prothom Alo English Desk, & Prothom Alo English Desk. (2025, December 19). Bring those responsible for attacks and arson on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star to justice: CPJ. Prothomalo. https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/x3nkjy9y9o

5. Report, T. (2025a, December 18). Attack, vandalism, and arson at Prothom Alo office in Dhaka. Dhaka Tribune. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/399061/attack-vandalism-and-arson-at-prothom-alo-office

6. Report, T. (2025b, December 19). Prothom Alo, The Daily Star offices vandalised, set on fire; all trapped staff evacuated. The Business Standard. https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/fire-daily-star-doused-trapped-staff-rescued-prothom-alo-building-still-fire-1313526

7. Staff Correspondent, & Staff Correspondent. (2025a, December 19). Attack on Prothom Alo a black day for media and freedom of expression. Prothomalo. https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/g6nwg0j1u9

8. Staff Correspondent, & Staff Correspondent. (2025b, December 20). Prothom Alo, The Daily Star attacked. Prothomalo. https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/gcsmwjskjd

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Learnings:

• Enhanced understanding of data journalism and integration of qualitative narratives with survey data
• Learned to analyze complex socio political events through structured interpretation
• Developed ability to contextualize real world incidents within democratic frameworks
• Improved skills in interpreting public perception critically
• Strengthened long form reporting and storytelling techniques
• Gained awareness of ethical considerations in journalism
• Built analytical skills in media content evaluation
• Developed insight into press freedom challenges in Bangladesh
• Understood risks faced by journalists in politically sensitive environments

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