A group of individuals attacked, vandalized and set fire to the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, located in Kawran Bazar, Dhaka, on the night of Thursday.
On Friday morning, visits to both offices revealed firefighters working to control the fire and assess the extent of the damage. Crowds of onlookers had gathered in front of the buildings, and police personnel were present to monitor the situation.
On-site observations showed that floors 1 to 3 of The Daily Star building were severely damaged by fire, with office rooms, furniture, and important documents destroyed.
Meanwhile, floors 4 to 7 were extensively looted and vandalized, leaving papers, computers, furniture, and other materials in complete disarray. In effect, the entire building has been reduced to rubble.
Several journalists were seen at the site, collecting information and taking photographs.
Prabir Das, a photojournalist of The Daily Star, broke down in tears upon seeing his workplace. In a voice choked with emotion, he said: “All my memories, all the photographs I have taken over years of my career—four to five hard drives—are gone. The arsonists may not realize the value of these items to a journalist.”
Another journalist was also seen crying at the office premises. He stated that the fire had destroyed not just the office, but years of his personal dreams.
He added: “I was scheduled to purchase a flat this Sunday. I had kept Tk10 lakh in the office, borrowed to buy the flat, which has now been destroyed in the fire. My passport and other important documents were also lost.”
