STAFF CORRESPONDENT
The attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices were not merely assaults on newspapers but on freedom of press, dignitaries said yesterday, calling for an environment where the media can report facts freely, courageously, and without intimidation.
They shared their thoughts about the importance of independent journalism while reacting to the attacks as The Daily Star celebrated its 35th anniversary at its office in the capital, where scars of the December 18 assault were displayed.
After seeing the photographs, and installations made from the rubble, politicians, diplomats, academics, business leaders, civil society members, and readers praised The Daily Star’s resilience and wished the newspaper continued strength in its pursuit of independent, objective, and courageous journalism.
They said the newspaper’s decision to publish the next day, despite the arson attack on its office with journalists still inside, reflected the role the media must play in defending truth, public accountability, and democratic values.
Economist Prof Rehman Sobhan said he had been with The Daily Star from its first day. “Now I see that after 35 years, it is still alive fearlessly,” he said.
About the celebration, he said the newspaper had managed to bring together all the main players, including the leader of the opposition and powerful ministers on the front bench. “This is a very good initiative,” he said.
Abdullah Abu Sayeed, author and founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, said he enjoys reading The Daily Star because it gives him new perspectives and new light, not always found in an average newspaper.
He also said the paper maintains neutrality and practises professional journalism. “For a nation, it is very important that such a newspaper stands strong,” he said.
Political scientist Prof Rounaq Jahan said, “We cannot have our breakfast without The Daily Star.”
She said readers trust The Daily Star as an objective and courageous newspaper, adding that the attack had shocked her. “It is beyond words that such a barbaric attack could take place on an independent newspaper. Nothing can be more condemnable than this,” she added.
She hoped this would be the first and last such attack on The Daily Star. “What I liked most was that, no matter how much intimidation there is, journalists still want to express independent opinions, even at the risk of their lives,” she said.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said The Daily Star had left a memorable mark in journalism, media freedom and social responsibility. He hoped the paper and other media would help build a strong democratic state, in line with public expectations and the 2024 student uprising.
On the attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, he said those involved would soon be brought under the law. “The government is fulfilling its responsibility to uphold the rule of law. As the matter is under investigation, it is not appropriate to say more. But justice will be ensured, and all those involved will face legal action,” he said.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said the brutal attack showed how difficult The Daily Star’s journey had been. “The evidence of destruction shown in the exhibition proves how difficult a path The Daily Star has had to cross.”
He hoped the newspaper would continue to move forward by facing adversity, and should remain attentive to making every report objective. He also said the government had condemned the attacks on media outlets and pledged to resist them.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said freedom of expression in newspapers must not be met with hostility. “If any group reacts with anger, it becomes a major obstacle on democracy’s path. I hope we have overcome that. We must remain vigilant so such incidents do not recur,” he said. “The Daily Star has always spoken for the people, for truth, and for democracy,” he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said, “Stars were born an eternity ago. They reside in the sky and deliver justice to everyone, showing equal light and guidance to all. The Daily Star will show that same thing -- this is our expectation of it as a nation.”
“... [We expect The Daily Star] to give equal importance to all,” he said.
Reacting to the attacks, he said such attacks were regrettable and had happened before in Bangladesh, including the ones involving the Dainik Sangram and Daily Amar Desh. “We never support
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