In a violent escalation of tensions in Dhaka, Bangladesh, several media offices were attacked and set ablaze following the killing of journalist Osman Hadi. The incidents occurred on December 19, 2025, as protests erupted in response to Hadi’s death, which has raised significant concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.
Osman Hadi, a prominent journalist known for his investigative reporting, was found dead under suspicious circumstances earlier that day. His body was discovered in a remote area of the city, prompting immediate outrage among his colleagues and the public. Hadi had been an outspoken critic of government policies and had reported extensively on corruption and human rights abuses, making him a target for those opposed to his work.
In the wake of Hadi’s death, thousands of journalists and activists took to the streets of Dhaka to demand justice. The protests quickly escalated, with demonstrators expressing their anger not only over Hadi’s killing but also over the broader climate of fear and repression faced by the media in Bangladesh. As the protests intensified, a group of individuals turned their anger towards media offices, including the prominent newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as protesters stormed the offices of these media outlets, vandalizing property and setting fires. Reports indicate that journalists and staff members were trapped inside the buildings during the attacks, leading to a desperate situation as they sought to escape the flames and violence. Firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the blazes, but the damage was significant, with both offices suffering extensive destruction.
The attacks on media offices have drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including international human rights organizations and press freedom advocates. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement urging the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of journalists and to conduct a thorough investigation into Hadi’s death. The organization emphasized that the violence against media institutions represents a grave threat to press freedom in the country.
The implications of these events extend beyond the immediate violence. Bangladesh has a troubled history regarding press freedom, with numerous reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence against journalists. The killing of Osman Hadi and the subsequent attacks on media offices highlight the precarious situation for journalists in the country, where dissenting voices are often silenced through force.
The timeline of events leading to the attacks began with Hadi’s disappearance earlier in the week. Colleagues reported him missing after he failed to return home from a reporting assignment. His body was discovered later, prompting an outpouring of grief and anger from the journalistic community. As news of his death spread, protests began to form, culminating in the violent confrontations at media offices.
The government of Bangladesh has faced increasing scrutiny over its treatment of journalists, particularly in the context of the Digital Security Act, which critics argue is used to stifle dissent and restrict freedom of expression. The law has been criticized for its vague language and broad provisions, which allow authorities to target journalists and activists for their work. The recent violence against media offices may further exacerbate tensions between the government and the press, as calls for accountability and reform grow louder.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh. The attacks on media offices have raised alarms about the potential for further violence and repression against journalists. Observers are concerned that without immediate action to protect press freedom and ensure accountability for Hadi’s killing, the cycle of violence and intimidation may continue.
In conclusion, the attacks on media offices in Dhaka following the killing of Osman Hadi underscore the fragile state of press freedom in Bangladesh. The violent response to protests highlights the risks faced by journalists in the country and raises critical questions about the government’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression. As the investigation into Hadi’s death progresses, the eyes of the world remain on Bangladesh, where the future of journalism hangs in the balance.
