A unique art exhibition titled “Alo” (Light) showcasing the aftermath of recent arson attacks on newspaper offices was inaugurated at the charred Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar, the capital, symbolizing resilience and survival in the face of adversity.
During the opening ceremony, media leaders vowed to enhance unity to uphold independent journalism and democracy.
In a separate session, diplomats based in Dhaka extended their support to The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, emphasizing the significance of press freedom and freedom of expression as fundamental pillars of democracy.
Curated by renowned artist Mahbubur Rahman, the exhibition repurposes remnants from the arson attack on December 18, 2025, to present a visual narrative of resilience. It comprises videos, photographs, light and sound installations, sculptures, paintings, poetic performances, and recorded testimonies from staff who experienced the assault.
The exhibition will be accessible to the public daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm until February 28.
The inauguration attracted members of the Editors’ Council, the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab), diplomats, journalists, media professionals, artists, writers, and business figures. Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif moderated the event.
Simeen Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Transcom Group, also attended the exhibition.
Addressing the audience, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman urged an end to internal divisions within the journalism community, advocating for solidarity against future threats. He stressed the importance of factual reporting as a formidable defense.
“We aim to bridge these divides,” he expressed. “Moving forward, we will support any journalist or media entity facing risks or attacks, regardless of their affiliations.”
Matuir Rahman highlighted that although Prothom Alo and The Daily Star had endured ongoing pressures, other publications like Naya Diganta, Sangram, Jaijaidin, and Amar Desh had seen their editors confronted with arrests, harassment, and mistreatment.
“We condemned those acts previously. We will be more vigilant and responsible in safeguarding each other in the future,” he added.
The Daily Star Editor and Publisher, Mahfuz Anam, emphasized that the arson attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were not just isolated incidents but deliberate assaults on independent journalism and freedom of thought. He called on the government to thoroughly investigate and expose the planners and perpetrators.
Mahfuz Anam commended the resilience of the journalists and staff from both organizations who courageously resumed work despite the devastation, ensuring the continuity of news dissemination.
At the gathering, AK Azad, President of Noab and publisher of Samakal, urged for unwavering solidarity among publishers and editors to counter any future attempts to suppress the media.
Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz criticized the interim regime for failing to protect media establishments, holding those in charge during the transition period accountable.
Editor of Bonik Barta and General Secretary of the Editors’ Council, Dewan Hanif Mahmud, condemned the burning of newspaper offices as a disgraceful act for society, tarnishing Bangladesh’s global image.
Kader Gani Chowdhury, Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), stressed that media freedom is integral to democracy, cautioning against any form of authoritarianism.
On the night of December 18 last year, a group orchestrated coordinated attacks on the offices of the two prominent newspapers, aiming to intimidate independent journalism, according to media leaders.
Additionally, they targeted Chhayanaut, a leading cultural institution in the country.
In a separate gathering, diplomats emphasized the need for enhanced protection of freedom of speech and press in Bangladesh.
Ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from diplomatic missions participated in the event outside the Prothom Alo office.
Among the attendees were European Union Ambassador Michael Miller, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, and Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro.
EU Ambassador Miller reiterated their support for media freedom and freedom of expression, recognizing journalists as the defenders of democracy.
The Italian Ambassador emphasized that freedom of information is a core value.
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke underlined the importance of media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy, recalling the distressing events in December and condemning the attacks on journalists and media houses.
US Embassy Spokesperson Poornima Rai reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to freedom of expression and solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
