The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) and Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA) on Friday condemned the attacks on the headquarters of the country’s two leading newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
In a press release, the BFF stated: “Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are integral members of our sports family. In these trying times, we must stand by all members of our community.”
“It is with surprise and disappointment that we note the unruly attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Both institutions have played a vital role in the development of sports in Bangladesh and have promoted our football players both nationally and globally,” the statement continued.
“We condemn such violence and these mindless attacks on their offices. We pray for the safety of the journalists and call upon the authorities to immediately take an active role in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
The statement concluded by saying: “The Bangladesh Football Federation stands in solidarity with independent journalism and against any acts of violence or lawlessness.”
The Bangladesh Sports Press Association and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association also expressed their strong condemnation of the attacks in separate press releases issued on the same day.
The incidents followed an attack on Thursday night, during which a group of individuals set fire to the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
