Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh, Gabriel Maria Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru, paid a visit to The Daily Star office yesterday to show solidarity and support following the recent arson attacks and vandalism on December 19. He expressed appreciation for the crucial role of media in a democratic society and condemned the violent assault on the newspaper.
During the early hours of December 19, a group of attackers launched a coordinated attack on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo headquarters in Dhaka. The assailants vandalized offices, stole valuables, and set fires, causing extensive damage.
As the attackers wreaked havoc, 28 journalists were trapped on The Daily Star roof. The attackers destroyed furniture, equipment, posters, and photographs, with fires spreading throughout the building.
In response to the violent attack, The Daily Star lodged a complaint with Tejgaon Police Station against 350–400 unidentified individuals under various laws, including the Penal Code, the Special Powers Act, the Cyber Security Ordinance, and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
