Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Bangladesh Violence: Mob Attacks Newspapers, Government Condemns
A big crowd got very angry and attacked two newspaper offices in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
They started fires and broke things.
Many journalists were stuck inside and had to go to the roof to stay safe.
Firefighters came to put out the fires, but the crowd made it hard for them.
Soldiers had to help the journalists escape.
The leader of Bangladesh asked everyone to stay calm and let the police do their job.
It was a very scary night for the journalists, but they were finally rescued in the early morning.
The violence was part of bigger protests after the death of a protest leader, Sharif Osman Hadi.
Some people are blaming the government for not stopping the violence, while others are saying the government is not doing enough to control radical groups.
There are also protests against India, with some people saying India is involved in Bangladesh's problems.
The government is trying to calm everyone down and is promising to bring the people who did bad things to justice.
A mob attacked the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in Dhaka, Bangladesh, around 12 am on Friday.
The crowd vandalized and set fire to the buildings, trapping journalists inside who had to flee to the roof and plead for help.
Firefighters extinguished the flames, but the crowd prevented immediate rescue; soldiers were deployed to escort journalists to safety.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus appealed for calm and professional investigations, condemning the violence and promising justice.
The violence was part of widespread protests following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a radical youth leader, with some protesters targeting media outlets and cultural centers.
- Who
- Journalists of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, along with New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, and protesters
- What
- A mob attacked and set fire to newspaper offices, leading to the rescue of journalists and widespread violence
- When
- Around 12 am on Friday, with rescue operations concluding around 4 am
- Where
- Dhaka’s Kawran Bazar, Bangladesh
- Why
- The attack was in response to the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi and perceived government failures
Protesters and Radical Groups
Government and Moderates
Violence and Arson
Protesters and Radical Groups
Protesters and radical groups justify their actions as a response to the death of Sharif Osman Hadi and perceived government failures, targeting media outlets and cultural centers.
Government and Moderates
The government condemns the violence, attributing it to fringe elements and emphasizing the importance of peace and democratic processes.
Anti-India Sentiment
Protesters and Radical Groups
Some protesters and groups like Inqilab Mancha promote anti-India sentiment, accusing India of supporting the former government and interfering in Bangladesh's affairs.
Government and Moderates
The government and moderates reject the anti-India narrative, calling for unity and focusing on internal democratic transitions.
Government's Handling of Radicals
Protesters and Radical Groups
Critics argue that the Yunus government has been soft on radicals, allowing groups like Jamaat-E-Islami and Chhatra Shibir to gain influence.
Government and Moderates
The government maintains that it is committed to a democratic transition and condemns all forms of violence, including attacks on journalists and minorities.
- Location
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Time of Attack
- Around 12 am on Friday
- Newspapers Attacked
- The Daily Star, Prothom Alo
- Rescue Time
- Around 4 am on Friday
- Government Response
- Army deployed, Chief Adviser appealed for peace
- Victim of Lynching
- Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man
- Upcoming Elections
- Scheduled for February 2026
- Key Protest Leader
- Sharif Osman Hadi
Sources
25 journos rescued as blaze of activist’s death engulfs Bangladesh
Yunus Govt Condemns Lynching of Hindu Man - Can ‘New Bangladesh’ Deliver Justice?
‘No place for violence in Bangladesh’: Yunus-led govt condemns lynching of Hindu man
Sharif Osman Hadi's death brings wave of violence in Bangladesh, prime suspect's parents jailed - What we know so far
‘Tragic event’: Giriraj Singh reacts to violent protests in Bangladesh
‘Yunus trying to bring Islamists to power via rigged poll, threat to India is real’: Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed
Behind Mob Attack On Leading Bangladesh Dailies And What Yunus Said
Who was Sharif Osman Hadi? Radical youth leader behind Inqilab Mancha – All about his ideology and movement
B'desh govt condemns violence, lynching of Hindu man
Bangladesh on boil after Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, Yunus govt urges citizens to resist mob violence
Bangladesh Struggles To Control Radical Mobs, Yunus' Key Aide Apologises
