The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh on Monday expressed deep concern over recent sit-ins and vandalism outside the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in Karwan Bazar of Dhaka.
In a statement signed by NOAB president AK Azad, the association highlighted ongoing attacks on press freedom.
‘Incidents of attacks, sit-ins, and vandalism have occurred in front of the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Such actions threaten the freedom of the press,’ the statement read.
According to NOAB, groups have been gathering in front of the Prothom Alo headquarters for the past two days, attempting to create unrest. Police intervened to disperse the crowds, but similar demonstrations continued on Monday.
The association urged all parties to refrain from activities that jeopardise media freedom. It encouraged those with objections to a newspaper’s reporting or editorial stance to respond in writing rather than resorting to disruptive actions.
‘Attempts to create chaos undermine journalism and its environment,’ NOAB stated, urging the government to take strict measures against mob justice targeting media institutions.
The association condemned the recent incidents and called for the protection of press freedom, emphasising the importance of maintaining a safe environment for journalism.
